Benefits – Public
News
- All Federal Benefits Will be Paid Electronically (Godirect.org – 12/21/10)
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today announced that all federal benefit and non-tax payments will soon be paid electronically. If you apply for federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, you will need to choose your preferred electronic payment option when you enroll to receive benefits. If you're already getting federal benefits by paper check, you will need to switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013.
Official Government Websites About Public Benefits
- With more than 1,000 federally-funded benefits and assistance programs available to people with disabilities, Veterans and others, finding the benefits for which you might be eligible can sometimes be difficult. Here’s some information to help point you in the right direction:
- Benefits.gov
The official benefits website of the U.S. government informs citizens of benefits they may be eligible for and provides information on how to apply for assistance. Benefits Finder is an easy way to find out which government benefits you may be eligible to receive. After answering a few questions, you’ll get information about disability benefits, housing assistance, health care or other benefits for which you might be eligible. - Benefits for People With Disabilities (Social Security Administration)
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. - Disability.gov
An award-winning federal government website that provides an interactive, community-driven information network of disability-related programs, services, laws and benefits. Benefits by state: choose from the list to find information and resources by state. The Benefits Section has information about the eligibility requirements for receiving Social Security disability (SSDI and SSI) benefits, disability benefits for children and how to apply for Social Security. - National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment (Administration on Aging)
Many older Americans are eligible for, but do not receive federal and state benefits ranging from income supplements and energy assistance to health care assistance. It is estimated, for example, that 2 to 3 million low-income beneficiaries are eligible for, but are not receiving, low-income subsidies under the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. The National Center for Senior Benefits Outreach and Enrollment (Center) was funded by AoA beginning in 2008 to begin to address this issue. - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – U.S. Dept. of Agriculture) (formerly called Food Stamps). For more information, see Nutrition Assistance Programs from Disability.gov.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF – U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services) (formerly referred to as welfare). The Office of Family Assistance administers this program that provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
The United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. - Veterans Benefits: From U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
More Information About Public Benefits
- Benefits CheckUp (National Council on Aging)
A tool that can help you find and enroll in benefits programs, including prescription drugs, health care, meals, utility bills, housing and more. - How to Use Public Benefits to Help Pay for In-Home Care (Caring.com)
If your loved one has very low income and few assets other than the home he or she lives in, the following benefit programs might pay a limited amount for providing in-home care. - New Treasury Rule Protects Social Security, VA, Other Federal Benefits (PR Newswire – 2-23-11)
A federal rule issued today that strengthens protections for bank accounts used to collect federal benefits is welcome news for retirees, veterans and disabled persons, according to a lawyer for the National Consumer Law Center. - Public Benefits Programs (HIVLA)
If you are disabled or earn a low income, you may be eligible to receive assistance from public benefits programs. If you are infected with HIV or have an AIDS diagnosis, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration under two programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). - Public Benefits Programs (National Resource Center for AD/HD)
- Public Benefits That Can Help (AARP)
Older adults can have a hard time paying for basic necessities like health care and food. This article introduces a variety of federal and state programs that fill this need and describes ways to help your parents apply for benefits. - Public Benefits that Can Help Americans 50+ (AARP)
Click on the name of your state to get a 4-page easy-to-read fact sheet that lists important free and low cost programs for older adults with limited incomes. The state fact sheet tells you how each program can help, who can apply and where to get applications and more information.
Miscellaneous Public Assistance
More PEKD Advocacy Public Benefits pages are linked below:
