BENEFITS aren’t the only cash that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) claimants can receive. Those enrolled in SSI or SSDI can score freebies or discounts like dental care products, some pain relievers, and first-aid goods. SSI and SSDI claimants may be able to grab discounts and freebies Other perks include bigger items like free refrigerators and even free park passes. Below, we’ve rounded up just four of the programs where beneficiaries can score free or discounted items. Just note that some discounts depend on your state and enrolled program. If you apply now, you should be able to get help in January. 1. Internet access The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides SSI recipients with internet access at discounted rates. This assistance will not affect your SSI payment. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Plus, $75 per month is given to households on qualifying Tribal lands. You may be eligible if your household participates in other assistance programs like: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Medicaid Federal Public Housing Assistance Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants Children (WIC) Lifeline Additionally, eligible households may receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To qualify for that perk, households must contribute over $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price. Another program offering free internet service to SSI, SSDI, or income in HUD-assisted housing is the ConnectHome Nation. To check your state and availability, head to the website and click on the Resident Resource Center tab. 2. Smartphone and phone Service Those enrolled in SSI and SSDI may qualify for a free phone with service included. The Lifeline Program, also known as Obamaphone, is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and provides monthly phone or broadband internet to low-income individuals or families. The grant is limited to $9.25 per household per month. Plus, the program has since expanded since its inception. Cell phone carriers provide up to 1,000 free minutes per month in addition to unlimited texts. To participate in the program, individuals must either have an income that is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty threshold or participates in one of the following assistance programs: SNAP SSI Medicaid Federal Public Housing Assistance Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Tribally-Administered TANF, Food Distribution, or Headstart Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs 3. Energy-Efficient Home Appliances Thanks to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), SSI claimants can grab some appliances at a discount or for free. This is a program from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) where some states accept winter applicants until January 31. The program is an incentive to meet energy efficiency goals offering lower energy and housing costs. WAP offers government grants for the free replacement of broken furnaces, some energy-inefficient refrigerators, and deep freezers. Plus, qualifying claimants can grab roof repairs, window replacements, and HVAC fixes for free. Since the program differs by state, eligibility may vary. Head to the WAP website and click on your state to see if you qualify for discounts or free appliances. 4. Over-the-counter health products Those enrolled in SSI, SSDI, or both Medicare and Medicaid may be eligible for free over-the-counter products. Depending on your state and program, some products include: Equipment Bathroom scales Blood pressure monitors Heating pads Electric toothbrushes Shower benches Vitamins and supplements Fish oil Stress tablets multivitamins Glucosamine chondroitin MSM tablets Allergy remedies and acid reducers Cough syrup Throat lozenges Antacids Pain relievers Ibuprofen Aspirin Acetaminophen Analgesic rubs Digestive health products Milk of magnesia laxatives Dental care products Toothpaste Oral pain relief gel Floss Denture adhesive First-aid products Bandages Gauze Antibiotic ointment Eligibility for SSI Qualifying for SSI will depend on your earnings and your assets. To qualify, individuals can’t have more than $2,000 in assets, while couples can have up to $3,000. Benefits for eligible children may be more as many do not have earnings. Those who claim Social Security tend to receive less in SSI checks if they qualify for both. If you plan to apply for SSI, you can begin the application process and complete a large part of the application on the SSA website. You can also call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Eligibility for SSDI To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must: Have worked in jobs covered by Social Security Have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security will only pay for total disability as no benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. Qualifying disabilities under Social Security rules are: You cannot do work and engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your medical condition You cannot do work you did previously or adjust to other work because of your medical condition Your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death The Sun shares how to cut your energy bill by $125 a month with $20 Home Depot items. Plus, here is when SSI recipients get their payments.
Four freebies and discounts SSI and SSDI claimants can get in January – see if you can claim $1,000s in extra help
Paiso ka chakkar h 