Here are some tips for saving money, and reminders of benefit eligibility for free services if you are disabled:
Social Security payments to dependents
Who’s eligible: Widows and widowers, children, and other dependents of a social security recipient
What you get: Monthly payments based on the social security recipient’s work history
How it works: After a death in the family, many people fail to take advantage of money they’re entitled to receive from the Social Security Administration. Known as “survivor benefits,” these payments are made to the spouse of the deceased and any children or stepchildren under the age of 18. To qualify, the widowed spouse must be over the age of 60 or over the age of 50 and disabled; if the spouse is caring for children under the age of 16, then this age restriction doesn’t apply. And in some cases, stepchildren, grandchildren, or step grandchildren can also collect. If a child is severely disabled, he or she can collect on a parent’s social security for as long as needed.
And one more thing that few people know: The parents of a social security recipient can collect up to one half that person’s social security payment if they were dependent on the deceased for at least half their support. For more information, go to the government’s Social Security site and scroll down to see the section titled “Benefits for your family.”
Tip: Divorce doesn’t disqualify you. You can collect on an ex-spouse’s social security if you were married for more than ten years before you divorced and the benefits you are entitled to from your own work are less than his (or hers). If your ex-spouse has not yet filed for social security benefits, then an additional requirement is that you have to have been divorced for at least two years…
Free rides
Who’s eligible: People with mobility problems and seniors
What you get: Transportation to and from your home to appointments and activities
How it works: Paratransit is the official term for transportation provided by local communities for those who can’t drive or comfortably use regular public transportation. These services vary by community, but typically it’s a door-to-door van service that’s available by appointment. The services are provided by local government agencies, but they receive federal funds intended to guarantee access for the disabled and elderly.
To find out more about the federally funded transportation options in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. More transportation resources are available by searching the Department of Health and Human Service’s Eldercare Locator on the topic Transportation.
Tip: These services typically require advance planning. It works best if you establish a regular weekly schedule, so you don’t have to remember to call each time.
More ideas here: https://www.caring.com/articles/government-benefits