The next year is coming soon and because of this we have taken the time to answer some much-needed questions about financial assistance for 2021. Not all of the questions may pertain to you but we have many answers to many questions in the hopes that one will be beneficial to you.

Will I receive an increase in my disability benefits in 2021?

Yes. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), almost 70 million Americans will see a 1.3 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2021. [1] For the average individual, that translates to $11 more a month, to $794 from $783. The average couple gets $16 more a month, to $1,191 from $1,175. The 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020. [2]

SSA will mail cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. But, if you want to know your new benefit amount sooner, you can securely obtain the Social Security COLA notice online using the Message Center in your my Social Security account.  You can access this information in early December prior to the mailed notice.[2]

How do I apply for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, ARKids, nutrition assistance (SNAP), cash assistance, or childcare assistance?

You will find the applications you need online at www.Access.Arkansas.gov. The site also will provide you with information so you can determine whether you are qualified for assistance before submitting an application. When you access the site, after answering “yes” or “no” to the voter registration question, you will be able to begin your DHS application. You also may apply at your local county DHS office. [3]

What does Medicaid provide?

The Medicaid Program helps you, if you are eligible, to pay some of your medical bills. Eligibility depends on your income, resources, age, and situation. Most people who are eligible fall into one of the following categories: age 65 or older, under age 19, blind, disabled, pregnant, nursing home resident, have breast or cervical cancer, disabled but work some, in need of home and community-based services or are under 21 and in foster care.[3]

What is ARKids First?

ARKids First health insurance provides coverage options for more than 300,000 Arkansas children who otherwise might have gone without health care. Eligibility for ARKids is based on your family’s income and other factors. Resources are totally disregarded. ARKids A offers low-income families a comprehensive package of benefits. ARKids B provides coverage for families with higher incomes. Children must be under age 19, living in your home, and a U.S. citizen or qualified legal alien. If you have questions about your child’s eligibility, call our ARKids First free hotline at 1-888-474-8275, visit your local county office or log on to Access Arkansas.[3]

How can I get help purchasing food?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) provides food assistance to eligible households to cover a portion of a household's food budget.  Benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and must be used to buy food products or seeds to grow vegetables. In addition to food assistance, the program provides SNAP recipients with nutrition education regarding food safety, healthy foods, portion sizes, and food preparation. [3]

I just lost my job. How can I provide for my children?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is a federally funded program that provides case management services to assist families with children under age 18 with finding employment. Arkansas's TANF program is called Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA). While looking for a job, the family will receive a cash assistance payment based on household size. The family's income must be equal to or less than $223 per month. SSI income is not counted in this total. The family's resources must be $3000 or less.  Supportive services also will be provided to the recipient if needed while looking for employment. TANF also provides cash assistance to children being cared for by caretaker relatives other than the parent.[3]

I cannot pay for my utilities. Where can I get help?

The Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households with home energy costs by administering Regular Assistance and Crisis Intervention Programs. Each program provides financial assistance to eligible households with a one-time per year payment to the household's energy supplier or, under certain circumstances, to the applicant. The Crisis Intervention Program provides assistance to eligible households facing energy-related emergencies.3 The Winter Assistance program runs from early January until the end of March or the depletion of funds. The Crisis Programs runs from the beginning of April until the end of September or until the depletion of funds. Both programs are operated by the 16 Community Action Agencies and cover all 75 counties of the State of Arkansas. [3]

Resources:

[1] https://www.ssa.gov/cola/

[2]https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/#10-2020-1

[3] https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/frequently-asked-questions#Public%20Assistance

AUTHOR: JULIE NORMAN, MANAGING ATTORNEY FOR ARKANSAS LEGAL SERVICES