The Social Security Administration has taken a proactive step to bridge the gap between critical financial assistance and the people who may be eligible for it by launching a campaign to raise awareness about Supplemental Security Income benefits.

In Arkansas, more than 94,000 people receive SSI benefits but officials believe more qualify and need the help.

Abigail Zapote, senior advisor for the Social Security Administration, said adults and children who are blind or living with a severe disability can receive monthly payments. People 65 and older who receive Social Security retirement benefits may also be eligible.

She added SSI applications in Arkansas and across the country dropped sharply following the pandemic.

"We're focusing on the most vulnerable in our communities who really need these benefits the most," Zapote explained. "We've targeted zip codes who are in the greatest decline of SSI applications. But it also means that these folks might be living at or below 150% of the federal poverty line. "

Zapote noted more than 7.5 million people in the U.S. are receiving SSI benefits. The "Basic Needs" campaign includes radio and TV ads, flyers and mailers, to reach people in mostly rural and under-served areas.

Zapote pointed out many people who receive other types of benefits, including Social Security retirement income, may also qualify for SSI assistance.

"We are here to provide this additional support to people that need it," Zapote emphasized. "And SSI provides basic needs for rent, food, clothing or medicine. So if you think you might be eligible, please give us a call at 1-800-772-1213."

Zapote added Arkansans currently receiving SNAP benefits or Medicaid could also be eligible for SSI help.


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Cities and states, including Mississippi, are grappling with rising homelessness.

In Mississippi, 982 people experience homelessness daily, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Ledger Parker - the executive director of Mississippi United To End Homelessness - said its Continuum of Care program works with partner organizations and government agencies, to serve and house vulnerable populations in 71 counties across the state.

He said the program utilizes outreach teams that aim to build relationships with the unhoused.

"So those outreach teams, whenever they go, they get to know them," said Parker. "They do collect information, and they perform an assessment. That assessment that we do is to try to find out how vulnerable they are in their homelessness. Our goal is we want to limit the number of deaths in homelessness."

Meanwhile, the Jackson City Council has recently delayed a vote on a contentious ordinance that would ban sleeping on city property, and allow the removal of homeless encampments - which is sparking debate over the best approach to tackle the crisis.

Parker said the outreach teams are vital, and work in several urban areas such as Tupelo, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Starkville, and Columbus to assist with finding housing.

He added that the group provides resources for wraparound services - but there are some challenges, as many individuals lack identification, which is essential for signing leases and applying for jobs in Mississippi.

"Those outreach teams begin the process of making sure that person has the pieces they need to get into housing," said Parker, "but then also down the road to get an employment, health care, mental health care. We try to really encourage them to choose housing."

Parker added that initially it's had to persuade individuals to accept housing.

Once housed, the organization strives to provide comprehensive support services. However, a small percentage, likely around 10%, experience a return to homelessness.

This recidivism rate is not ignored as the organization actively works to re-house these individuals.




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La Niña is bringing a cooler, wetter winter to Oregon and likely driving up heating bills as systems work harder.

This is the third year of major price hikes for Pacific Power and Pacific Gas and Electric, with rates up by 40% from four years ago.

One report found nearly half of Americans struggle to pay their utility bills and last winter, a January ice storm and rate hikes saw power shut off for a record number of Oregon households due to lack of payment.

Jami Seymore, home energy expert for the Energy Trust of Oregon, said this winter, one way to save on energy bills is to lower the thermostat at night.

"Every degree you drop that thermostat, you can save about 3% on your energy bill," Seymore pointed out.

Seymore recommended setting the thermostat to around 67 degrees during the day and about 59 at night. If you have a heat pump, do not change the temperature more than a few degrees either way for maximum efficiency.

The most helpful way to save money is to keep the heat inside by insulating walls, attics and floors. Seymore noted filling in gaps around the home like door frames, windows and mail slots can save up to 20% on heating costs. She added Energy Trust of Oregon can help cut the costs of projects.

"Energy Trust offers higher incentives for people with lower to moderate incomes to be able to make some of those changes a little more affordable," Seymore emphasized.

One source of energy loss people may overlook is the air filter. Seymore recommends changing it about every three months, or every time the season changes.

"A dirty air filter, that actually slows all that airflow coming in," Seymore observed. "It's going to waste energy and it's going to cost you more money."

If you need help with utility bills, Seymour advised checking with your utility provider first, as most have assistance programs and payment plans. You can also apply for Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, which offer assistance for installing high-efficiency electric appliances, along with insulation and air sealing measures.


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Temperatures are dropping in the Commonwealth and community action agencies said help is available for those struggling to pay their heating bills.

The federal Home Energy Assistance Program helps households making less than 60% of the state median income, which for a family of four is just under $95,000.

Liz Berube, executive director of the community action agency Citizens for Citizens, serving the Fall River and Taunton area, called the eligibility requirements very generous.

"These are clearly for people who work, or you were working and you're laid off, you're on worker's comp, people who slip through the cracks," Berube outlined. "This could be the program for you."

Berube pointed out the website HeatingHelpMA.org has information on heating and other energy savings programs, as well as a link to an online application portal.

The Department of Public Utilities recently approved natural gas rate hikes for National Grid and Eversource customers. Monthly bills could increase from 11% to 30%.

Sen. Joan Lovely, D-Salem, said she is already hearing from her constituents in the Second Essex District, wondering how they will make it through the winter.

"Every single day, the biggest call to our office is housing insecurity and how am I going to heat my home," Lovely reported. "How am I going to be able to stay in my home?"

Lovely is grateful for the federal, state and local partnerships making the heating aid program possible.

Joe Diamond, executive director of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action, a coalition of more than twenty community action agencies helping families apply for needed services, said keeping people warm is about more than lowering energy bills.

"It is a health program. It's a safety program. It's a housing preservation program," Diamond explained. "It is also a program that allows people to access other programs."

Diamond noted if households qualify for heating help, they automatically qualify for weatherization programs, which can include new insulation, appliances or heating systems. Public safety officials stressed the programs save both money and lives. They emphasized well-maintained heating equipment is much less likely to cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.


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