Financial Assistance

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends, here are some tips on how to get financial assistance for

different needs:

Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started the programs to

help low-income people afford basic telephone service. Local telephone companies

in your state are required to provide Link-Up and Lifeline services.

To get these telephone savings programs, you must meet the income rules set by

your state, or you must get one of these benefits: Medicaid, Supplemental

Security Income (SSI), Energy assistance programs, such as LIHEAP, that help

with home heating costs Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) and Food

Stamps .

How much does Link-Up pay? Link-Up offers a 50 percent discount (up to $30) to

install a phone. You can also delay payment on the rest of the hook-up fee for

up to one year with no interest charges. Link-Up does not pay for more than one

phone line in the home.

How much does Lifeline pay? All states and territories offer Lifeline, a monthly

discount for local phone charges. And, if your state provides matching funds,

you may be able to get as much as $12 off a month. (Larger discounts are offered

in the District of Columbia and Massachusetts). Lifeline does not cover the cost

of extra features such as call waiting and caller ID.

Native American Indian and Alaskan tribal communities may qualify for Enhanced

Link-Up and Lifeline. To qualify, residents must meet the income rules set by

their state or tribal community or receive benefits from one of the following

programs:

a.. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance

b.. Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

c.. Head Start (income eligible only)

d.. National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program

e..

Apply for Link-Up and Lifeline through your local telephone company. Tell the

sales operator for home service that you want to apply for the telephone savings

programs Link-Up or Lifeline. If the phone company sales representative doesn't

know those names, say that you want to apply for the savings programs for

low-income customers. If the sales representative is still not able to help you,

ask to talk to a supervisor. You must prove that your income meets the

guidelines or that you get a qualifying benefit. Some neighborhood community

service agencies assist in applying for Link-Up and Lifeline. Call your local

Department of Human or Social Services. The phone numbers are in the government

section (blue pages) of the phone book.

If you have problems applying for these programs, contact the Consumer Bureau of

your state Public Service or Public Utilities Commission. These phone numbers

are in the blue pages of the phone book. You can also call your state Consumer

Advocate Office. This phone number can also be found in the blue pages.

AARP Resources

Impact of High Energy Costs on Winter Heating Costs

The high cost of keeping warm hits many older consumers hard.

Shopping for Cell Phones

Shopping for cell phones can be very confusing. AARP offers some helpful tips.

Additional Resources

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

URL: http://www.lifeline.gov/

Information from the FCC about Link-Up and Lifeline.

Universal Service Administrative Company

URL: www.lifelinesupport.org

Information on local telephone companies and the guidelines for applying for

Link-Up and Lifeline. Not all telephone companies are listed.

Benefits QuickLINK

URL: www.aarp.org/quicklink

Answer a few confidential questions and this online tool tells you which

federal, state, and local programs you might be eligible for and how to apply.

This site is powered by Benefits CheckUp.

If you lose or leave a job, you may qualify for financial and other help.

Workers pay the taxes that fund many of these services. Employers provide other

services. If you qualify, it is your right to receive certain benefits. So,

don't hesitate to explore these services. It's in your best interest to find out

what help is available for you.

A federal law gives certain workers and their families the right to keep their

group health insurance longer if they lose it due to changes in their work or

family life. Such changes include losing a job or getting divorced. This is the

COBRA law. It stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act.

If you meet certain conditions, your group health plan will continue to cover

you and your family, usually for 18 to 36 months.

HIPAA

Another federal law protects you and your family when you are changing from one

group health insurance plan to another or from a group to an individual plan.

This is the HIPAA law, or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

HIPAA limits how long you need to wait to get care for a pre-existing medical

problem. Your new group health plan can't turn you down or charge you higher

monthly premiums just because of any past or present health problems.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal and state insurance program that helps pay the health care

costs of some people with low incomes. Medicaid rules and benefits are different

in each state.

There is also a special health insurance program, called CHIP. CHIP is for

low-income children who may not qualify for Medicaid.

When Can You Get Financial Help?

Unemployment insurance benefits

If you are unemployed through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for

unemployment insurance payments.

All states follow the guidelines in federal law, but administer separate

unemployment insurance programs. Each state sets its own rules for eligibility,

the amount of your benefit, and the length of time you can get benefits.

You can usually receive benefits for 26 weeks. During times of high unemployment

or in special situations, you can get more weeks of benefits.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

You may be eligible for a monthly income from SSI if you are 65 or older and

have little money and don't own much. People of any age who are blind or have a

disability may also be eligible.

Every state has a different income limit that you can receive and still get SSI.

You can own your home, a car, or a small bank account and still get SSI.

The basic federal SSI amount is the same all over, but many states add extra

money. The highest federal amount is about $800 per month for a couple.

Food Stamps

You may qualify for food stamps even if you are not eligible for other benefits.

They can help you stretch your money during a transition time.

There are resource and income limits that you must meet. A three-person family

can receive a maximum of $366 per month in food stamps.

What If You're Permanently Disabled?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Most of us are aware of Social Security retirement benefits. But Social Security

also has a large disability program.

SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are insured.

You are insured if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

To qualify for Social Security Disability, you must first have worked in jobs

covered by Social Security. In general, you must have earned a minimum amount of

money during the previous ten years.

Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition

of disability. This usually means that you cannot do work that you did before,

and you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition. This

definition of disability is quite strict.

In general, you receive monthly cash benefits if you cannot work for a year or

more due to a disability. Qualified family members also get some benefits if you

are disabled.

The rules for Social Security Disability can be confusing. But the government

provides a lot of information to guide you. Also, you have the right to appeal

if Social Security turns down your claim. About half of denied disability claims

are changed during the appeal process.

Where Can You Get Help Finding Another Job?

Outplacement Services

Many large employers offer company-paid assistance, called outplacement

services, to help laid-off employees find new jobs. They are often quite

extensive. They can include private sessions and workshops with career

counselors and job-search experts.

Career One-Stops. If you have used a job service office in the past, you may

not recognize it now. It's well worth your time to give it another try. Several

years ago, the U.S. Department of Labor and all state employment offices began

making exciting improvements in how they help jobseekers and businesses. There

are now almost 2,000 Career One-Stops Centers. In one place, each Center has all

the resources you need to find the kind of work that best fits you, get training

in your community, and get a job.

AARP Foundation's Senior Community Service Employment Program is a work-training

program for low-income people age 55 and older. It helps those in need to

re-train for a changing workforce, to find self-confidence, and most

importantly, to find a job. Eligible applicants are placed in nonprofit, public,

or community service agencies where they receive on-the-job training.

Eligibility is based on age, residency, and income guidelines set by the U.S.

Department of Labor. If you are eligible, you can receive help with assessing

your skills, setting your employment goals, preparing a resume, on-the-job and

other training, and job referrals.

AARP on Private Health Insurance

A series of articles on COBRA, HIPPA, and other health insurance issues.

Federal and state programs that can help in hard times . Are you 55 or older

with a low income? Find out how to get re-training and a new job with AARP

Foundation's Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Benefits Check Up

Public programs and benefits that you may qualify for. With some basic

information from you, it checks over 1,150 programs, to see if you may be

eligible. Group health benefit information for when you experience changes in

your life and work situations--such as marriage, childbirth, job loss or

retirement.

State Unemployment Insurance Offices

State-specific explanations of unemployment insurance and how to apply.

Career One-Stop Centers Find the Career One-Stop nearest to you. Or call

1-877-348-0502 for information.

Federal Disability Programs

Details on Social Security Disability Insurance. Learn about eligibility and how

to apply.

Hope these are helpful,

Lottie

a..

a..

[Guest guest]

Have you checked out if your state can help you? Here in NH we have " Service

Link " , a non profit organization that helps people trying to apply for SSDI and

SSI, and also the elderly. The forms can be very tricky to fill out correctly.

In NH, once you have applied for SS, you can get cash assistance, fuel

assistance, and even a break on your property taxes. But you have to be really

broke to do so (no savings left, no retirement, only one car, etc.). They expect

you to " sell " everything that is worth any money, before you can get any

assistance from the state. Other wise you will just have to wait...

The Feds, once they approve you, will give you back benefits to the date you

initially applied for SSDI. If you are deigned the first time, get a lawyer.

Good luck...

in NH

financial assistance

How did u guys make it financially until u got approved for SSDI? I am on

regular long term disability and COBRA for med. Ins. My Rx costs and therapy

co-pays r too frequent for me to afford. It seemms cuz I have Rx coverage that

I'm not eligible for any assistance.

I paid cash for a house in backwoods TN out of my 401(k). I have car note,

utilities and medical. I'm not making it. I was removed fromn food stamps when I

went from short term to long term disability. I'm afraid of losing my car.

Any suggestions??

Hangin In--or @ least trying to.

[Guest guest]

I had no disability payments whatsoever. It took social security a YEAR to make

a decision on my claim. During that time if it weren't for my parents I suppose

I would have been living on the streets after exhausting my 401k's and

investments during the previous 3 surgeries.

There are programs out there where you can get a yearly grant to cover any

co-pays on your medicals if you fit their criteria - you just have to search for

them. There is also help from some of the manufacturers of the medications.

Other than that I know of nothing but food stamps that you can get help with!

I am thankful I had family that was able to help me. Good luck!

Barb

>

> How did u guys make it financially until u got approved for SSDI? I am on

regular long term disability and COBRA for med. Ins. My Rx costs and therapy

co-pays r too frequent for me to afford. It seemms cuz I have Rx coverage that

I'm not eligible for any assistance.

>

> I paid cash for a house in backwoods TN out of my 401(k). I have car note,

utilities and medical. I'm not making it. I was removed fromn food stamps when I

went from short term to long term disability. I'm afraid of losing my car.

>

> Any suggestions??

> Hangin In--or @ least trying to.

>

[Guest guest]

Lucky you. I worked as a paralegal for a small law firm with no benefits. All I

get is the measly amount from social security each month!!!!

>

> I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

>

[Guest guest]

I made good money my whole life but I guess I should have worked 2 jobs because

when I got approved for social security boy was I surprised. Welfare probably

pays better than SS sometimes. I don't get SSI either I get regular SS I don't

know if that makes a difference but it isn't enough to live on that's for sure.

Janice

Re: financial assistance

Lucky you. I worked as a paralegal for a small law firm with no benefits. All

I get is the measly amount from social security each month!!!!

>

> I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

Version: 9.0.864 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3222 - Release Date: 10/26/10

23:34:00

[Guest guest]

You can get SSI with SSD you should lookinto it. Steve

> >

> > I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

> >

>

[Guest guest]

You can't get both at the same time. The money you receive from RSDI knocks you

out of being able to receive SSI. It goes by assets you have. You pretty much

can't have anything but a vehicle to get SSI. I qualified for SSI for the time

that I was not receiving RSDI. They approved me for those months the same time

my RSDI got approved...a YEAR LATER and I received retro pay, but that didn't

help those months that I had no income. So don't hold your breath expecting SSI

to be a quick fix either.

> > >

> > > I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

All I know is I have a friend and he get his social secuirty disablitiy

retirement and he  recieves SSI also. I know that its income based. It

would hurt to look into more. I am lucky I recieve a penison and my SSD which

gives me  a very good income to live on. I thanks god that my injuries where

on the job and I have very good doctors and lawyer who all supported me getting

me my penion and SSD. Steve

From: Me <ellijaygal@...>

Subject: Re: financial assistance

spinal problems

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 1:44 PM

 

You can't get both at the same time. The money you receive from RSDI knocks you

out of being able to receive SSI. It goes by assets you have. You pretty much

can't have anything but a vehicle to get SSI. I qualified for SSI for the time

that I was not receiving RSDI. They approved me for those months the same time

my RSDI got approved...a YEAR LATER and I received retro pay, but that didn't

help those months that I had no income. So don't hold your breath expecting SSI

to be a quick fix either.

> > >

> > > I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I talk to my friend on how he recieced  SSD and SSI togehter.f you recieve

under 700 dollar month for SSD you can get SSI. SO let  say if you get  400

from SSD you can get 300 from SSI to equal 700 dollars. That how  he  get

both Steve if that can help any recieving  less that  700 in SSD look into it

Steve.

From: Me <ellijaygal@...>

Subject: Re: financial assistance

spinal problems

Date: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 1:44 PM

 

You can't get both at the same time. The money you receive from RSDI knocks you

out of being able to receive SSI. It goes by assets you have. You pretty much

can't have anything but a vehicle to get SSI. I qualified for SSI for the time

that I was not receiving RSDI. They approved me for those months the same time

my RSDI got approved...a YEAR LATER and I received retro pay, but that didn't

help those months that I had no income. So don't hold your breath expecting SSI

to be a quick fix either.

> > >

> > > I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

If you have nothing in the way of income while waiting for the social security

to be approved sign up for welfare. Yes it's humilitating for some but like

social security it is your money and you need it to stay alive apply fro welfare

and food stamps so you can get through life until you get the money you need.

Janice

Re: financial assistance

You can't get both at the same time. The money you receive from RSDI knocks

you out of being able to receive SSI. It goes by assets you have. You pretty

much can't have anything but a vehicle to get SSI. I qualified for SSI for the

time that I was not receiving RSDI. They approved me for those months the same

time my RSDI got approved...a YEAR LATER and I received retro pay, but that

didn't help those months that I had no income. So don't hold your breath

expecting SSI to be a quick fix either.

> > >

> > > I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

> > >

> >

>

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - www.avg.com

Version: 9.0.864 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3225 - Release Date: 10/28/10

11:34:00

[Guest guest]

May I ask...What is L and I?

>

> I was lucky too. I was on L & I and really only applies to get the medical

benifits. It took almost 4years to get my. When i asked my doctor to write a

letter to social secuity eaplain the injuries and why i was disable i got a

hearing with in two of them get the letter. Now i get 1600 amonth from L & I

penion and 1209 month for my SSD and great medical part D through human. So get

your Doc. behind you and have them write you a letter. Steve

>