Ways To Survive During An Extended Financial Crisis
Posted on: 13 April 2015
The last several years have been difficult for many people financially, to put it mildly. If you are suffering financial hardship as a result of factors not in your control, you certainly aren't alone or even in the large minority. Fortunately, there are ways for you to survive hard times financially until you can get back on your feet again by taking advantage of free government programs.
Disability Benefits
You might initially think that disability support is only for people in wheelchairs. But this isn't true since you can also receive both insurance and direct financial assistance if you have other types of disabilities as well.
For example, social security disability can cover you if you have severe depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or any number of other conditions that limit work that you could do before.
Another main guideline for whether you qualify includes getting the examiner to decide that you can't do other work because of a medical condition. The last guideline is that the disability you're under will last for at least a year or potentially result in you dying.
If you fit under all of these guidelines, then you could qualify for disability benefits, and you can send an application form from the SSA site. If you're not sure if you qualify or if you think you should but you have been turned down, you may want to speak to an attorney like Sarah J. Liddy Attorney At Law.
Free Phone and Internet
One of the toughest parts about having enough financial hardship is that it becomes difficult to find a new job. This is because if you don't have a steady address where people can call you, then employers won't want to hire you.
A solution to this problem is to apply for something called the Lifeline Program. This program allows people with low incomes to receive free communication benefits. You can get a free phone out of it as well as free minutes month to month.
If you qualify, you generally won't have to pay for anything at all. In some cases, you may even be able to get some free data as well if you choose a phone that's capable of accessing the Internet.
In order to qualify for this program, you have to make less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. For the 48 contiguous states and the District of Colombia in 2015, the poverty guideline for one person is $11,770. Being within 135% of this means that if you make less than $15,795 and live by yourself, you can apply to get a free phone and minutes.
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