I know that food stamps are easier to acquire for those on disability, as the regular income thresholds do not apply to the categorized disabled.. Section 8 housing, or the HUD should be able to assist with accomodation - though I heard the list is backlogged and a b1tch to wait through.. I also heard that public transportation (public buses) are available to those on disability... Hell, at my local Department of Human Assistance I think I even saw something for financial help with utilities.. Does anyone know of any more assistance? I just want to know that I'm not leaving any money on the table so-to-speak.

You might qualify for a cell phone with 250 free minutes per month. Next time you see it advertised(or google it) call the 800# too see if you qualify.

For the phone, try safelink at: https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enr...blic/home.aspx

I thought food stamps and the other benefits you mentioned were still dependent on your income level

It depends on the state. Each state has their own qualifications and criteria for the disabled/seniors.

When I was approved for SSDI back in 2005, my local SS office sent me a booklet outlining everything the disabled/seniors were entitled to in my state and local county.

All you need to qualify for most of the entitlements is a Medicare card. Income does not come into play. Again, it depends on your state and/or county programs.

To the best of my knowledge, only those on medicaid qualify for the free phone.

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Well....damnit ! I think my state is about as far to the left as they come.....Where's my free/reduced stuff !

I'm partially kidding, because my family is doing okay financially (I mean, getting ready for kids to go to college, etc/need a new roof, and a new septic system....most of us could use more........)

I have looked into such benefits though, because when my kids graduate high school and I get divorced, I will be financially screwed. I haven't figured out how much I would have in savings, etc after dividing up all marital assets.....but just thinking about how I will afford rent/mortgage, car and insurance, utilities, and food when it is just me and my SSDI is frightening.

Cheaper to keep her and/or both of you live in the same household after the divorce. Just make sure you do not end up like Mike Douglas in the movie War Of The Roses.

On a serious note, check with your local social service department. Ask them if they have any information on all discount & free programs that involve the disabled/seniors. For some reason, the disabled are almost always lumped w/the disabled. Most if not all of these programs are unadvertised. If advertised, there will be notifications in your local newspapers and/or local TV news.
In the state I reside in, these programs seem to pop up daily.
I do get notices from time to time from my local SS department about discounts & freebies.

I'm blessed that I do not need these programs as I am financially set. However, it is good to know the awareness of the programs that your state has as most of them, income limit does not apply (when it comes to SSDI). Some I take full advantage of. Free public transportation for those who can flash their Medicare card as one example. Some days, especially in bad weather, I do not feel like driving.

Think Donald Trump..... He never uses his own money when making purchases. Love his way of thinking.

Just to put in my $0.02......Food Stamps are mildly easier to get. For example, my monthly income is $926/mo, I am single with no kids and I get a whopping $16/mo in Food Stamps mostly due to my medical bills each month. If it wasn't for those I would not get anything.

As far as the free cells phones, you can get them if you do not have medicaid nor food stamps, but it is a longer process.

If you can find an open waitlist for public housing or section 8 still apply since by being disabled you will get points that will move you up the list.

Some programs that may also help include:

LIHEAP - for energy bill assistance

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - To help reduce your energy bill by replacing different items at your residence (even if rented) such as windows, refridgerator, a/c, weather stripping, etc.

In my county as well as others they have a cab program where you spend $3 each way and you don't have to worry about tipping the driver. Check with your local transportation dept.

Medicare Savings Program - They have different levels of assistance that are based on your income and the number of people in your family. You can find this on the Medicare sight under 'Medicare Basics'. It can help with Part B premiums, prescriptions, and you may even qualify for Medicaid. This is run by the individuals state.

Medicare Advantage Plans - Many do not require additional payment and they provide greater service than regular Medicare such as reduced copays like $10 for a regular doctor and $30 for a specialist. They can also provide out of network coverage.

I hope any of these can help.

wow, yeah, thanks cherry. That sucks about the food stamp $$$.. I just applied and I make more in Social Security, although I participate to a large mortgage (my mom's) and go to school, so hopefully I see some food stamps as well

What about 401k's? Does the 10 percent penalty for early withdrawl get waived if you are on SSDI?