Get Every Penny You Should Be Getting. Knowing what one is entitled to means one thing; maximizing it for better financial well-being and mental health is another thing in the New Year—think about retirement plans, tax credits, and health care benefits, just a few areas that require strategy and insight for the best administration. Together, identify a range of ways to fully activate all the opportunities confronting you in the coming year. Now, let’s turn to some smart strategies and helpful tips on really reaping all opportunities toward safe futures.
Food Assistance
Food assistance programs provide key support to food security among persons and families. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as Food Stamps, is a food assistance program that provides monetary support for the purchase of nutritious food among low-income individuals. Eligible individuals receive benefits according to income and size of household. Beneficiaries can check their balance and manage their benefits online. The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children provides supplemental foods and nutrition counseling, along with social service referrals, to facilitate proper growth in women, infants, and children.
Various school-meal and child-care-food programs offer free or low-cost meals to children qualifying for them, to help with nutritional needs throughout the school year and summer months. Elderly people over 60 are entitled to food assistance programs reserved for their demographic section of society and some Native Americans are entitled to FDPIR, which provides monthly food packages depending on a person’s income and his or her affiliation with a tribe. In this way, emergency food assistance does exist and is attainable from several government and private organizations stepping in to relate immediate support in times of emergency.
Housing Help – Rental Assistance
Rental assistance programs are designed to help individuals and families locate affordable housing. Government initiatives include the Housing Choice Voucher Program, otherwise known as Section 8, which pays the rent for private housing of eligible persons. Individuals can apply through their local public housing agency and can receive further information on how to apply and also the process of eligibility. Other options include subsidized rental housing, where government subsidy on rents makes the housing more affordable to low-income tenants. Another possibility for affordable living is presented by public housing programs through direct housing managed by local public housing agencies. Special rental assistance programs also exist that total this effort and go a step further in support of veterans and those with disabilities, designed specifically with such needs in mind.
Help with Utility Bills
Government programs provide several crucial services geared toward assisting with utility bills, including energy, phone, and internet bills. Programs like LIHEAP and WAP aid in heating and cooling costs and weatherization to create more energy efficiency in a home. Eligibility is based on income and the size of the household, and an applicant can get more information regarding these programs—including how to apply for financial aid, particularly if facing utility disconnection. The Lifeline program gives discounted telephone and internet service to qualified low-income people or families to ensure connectivity and accessibility to communication. Applicants eligible for Lifeline may learn more about this, including legal application procedures and other additional ways to continue this very important service.
Use a Benefit Finder
Find your benefits fast and easy with this tool—Benefit Finder. You need to answer only a few simple questions, and you will be presented with a list of government assistance programs tailored for you. Explore services that might help you with food and housing costs, utilities, health insurance, and many other daily or essential expenses. Accompanying each listed benefit will be its eligibility criteria and where to apply. This will help ensure you’re capable of receiving the support you need, without having to share or save any personal information in the process. Whether you are dealing with the loss of a loved one and looking for survivor benefits, planning your retirement—retiree and veterans’ benefits—or find yourself in a serious disability and thus looking at assistance options, Benefit Finder makes it easier to find government programs that are offering you financial assistance and more.
Health Insurance
Navigating the options in terms of health insurance may be overwhelming, but it is highly important to know how to do so. Learn about Medicaid, Medicare, the ACA health insurance marketplace, and COBRA—all are crucial resources that will help keep you covered. Learn more about how to apply for Medicaid and CHIP, providing health insurance for adults and children with limited income. Know how and when to apply for Medicare, available to persons age 65 and over; under age 65 with certain disabilities; and any age with end-stage renal disease. The ACA Health Insurance Marketplace makes it easier to get health insurance—learn how you can access those resources to explore your options. You’ll also study COBRA insurance, a law that enables some workers to continue their group health coverage for a limited time after they would otherwise lose their eligibility.
Social Security
Understand Social Security—Whether you’re planning retirement or facing a disability, knowing your Social Security is a key part of your financial plan. Learn how to get, replace, or correct your Social Security card, whether for yourself or a new baby. Learn about the differences between SSDI and SSI—and how to apply them. You can estimate your payments using Social Security’s retirement calculators to plan your finances accordingly. If you reside outside the U.S., know how you can receive your benefits. Know how to report a death to stop benefit payments promptly for a Social Security or Medicare beneficiary.
Government Death Benefits
Government death benefits can prove vitally sustaining upon the loss of a loved one. Learn more about the various benefits that include military benefits, COVID-19 funeral benefits, and survivor benefits aimed at augmenting expenses accrued on housing and education. Military survivor benefits encompass active duty, veterans, and retirees by providing their survivors with the necessary assistance. Other COVID-19 funeral assistance helps lighten the load on families by covering funeral expenses during this pandemic period. Look through these resources to know eligibility criteria and application procedures to secure vital money during times of need.
Conclusion
As 2024 approaches, let’s make sure we make the most of our government benefits and take advantage of any additional resources that may be accessible. Being in control of what happens next gives you a sense of empowerment. Appreciate the accessibility with which these services may assist you in managing and maintaining your finances.
Now may be the right time to get started, explore other programs that may be available to you, see if you qualify, and apply for aid/assistance if eligible. Benefit Finder is only one tool to assist you. By then, you will have made a life for yourself and your family that will be safe, secure, and rewarding. Don’t waste the opportunity that is going to enable you to make deliberate efforts toward making sure that you and your family have a secure and a successful future.
