Making Ends Meet Article


Supplemental Security Income and Cash Assistance

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a cash assistance program for U.S. citizens and some non-citizens who are disabled, blind, or at least 65 years old. Only those with limited income and resources can qualify for monthly checks in an amount based on the individual’s circumstances.

In Arizona, the Department of Economic Security’s Aging Adult Administration and Family Assistance Administration administer SSI and other Cash Assistance (CA) programs. Even if you believe you will not qualify for more than a very small amount of SSI/CA funding, it may be worth your while to apply for such assistance. As a recipient, you are automatically eligible for free health benefits under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Those with special needs may also qualify for other benefits such as assistance with housekeeping.

How do I apply for benefits?

Benefits must be requested using an official application form. An application form may be requested from any Arizona Department of Economic Security Family Assistance Administration (FAA) local office, by phone or by mail. To find an FAA local office near you, check the on-line office locator. Applications may also be obtained from various other agencies and social organizations or can be downloaded by visiting the FAA website.


Comments:

QUESTIONS

  • My phone/internet provideris constantly charging me late fees. Im on a fixed income that I receive the 2nd Wed of every month and that is the day I write them a check. I try to explain this to them but they continue to charge me late fees. What is AZ law regarding these late fees? I'm 83 and a Korean war vet...I can't afford to continue to pay these fees
  • Can the City of Phoenix charge me for service I do not receive. The City charges me for garbage and sewer even though the home is vacant six months out of the year.
  • I have sold my manufactured home (Personal property?) on a rented lot in AJ. Are there any rules or regulations as to who and how the check for the sale is sent to me? Can my broker and/or agent deposit the money for me in an account if I'm not able to attend the closing? Thank you.
  • What steps are taken by an escrow company to collect a balloon payment before they forclose?
  • If I am receiving Social Security income, can my creditors get a hold of it?
  • We refinanced our house to lower our monthly payments. The new mortgager is holding, what I feel is an excessive amount of escrow money. Are there limits or a percentage over the tax & insurance costs that they are allowed to hold?
  • Me and my boyfriend got an apartment together; it was $50 more than he wanted to pay. I said I would pay the $50 extra for every month that the apartment cost up front. I gave him $300 up front and told him if we were still together after 6 months I would give him the next 6 months in advance. He kicked me out but won't give me my money back. He says that I'm extorting him for money that belongs to him. I only lived there for one week, paid 1/2 of everything to move in, $25 app fee, $100 deposit, $240 which was half of the first months rent. I am just asking for the $300 back. He says it his & me asking for it back & making him pay it back is extortion. What are my rights?
  • My wife and I own a park model home and live here year around. We are both over 70. This is a 55+ park which is fenced and security good. We love living here due to secure area. After buying our home about 2years ago we have had the rent on lot raised 3 times . We live on a small fixed income that has been dipped into hard this past year due to me getting cancer in tonsil and tounge. After 7hr surgery and chemo and radiation much cost had to come from budget. Is there anyway we can stay in our retirement home when the lot price is being pushed past our fixed income.. We are both too old or sic
  • I have taken early soc sec retirement. When my wife retires in three years, will she receive her own sep soc sec income based on her working years?
  • Can I get a tax break if I downsize to a smaller home

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FIND LEGAL HELP

  • Please select your county of residence below.

    County:
     

OTHER LEGAL RESOURCES

  • State Bar of Arizona
    www.azbar.org
  • Maricopa County Bar
    www.maricopabar.org
    Referral number 602-257-4434
  • Pima County Bar
    www.pimacountybar.org
    Referral number 520-623-4625
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    800-799-7233
  • Bankruptcy Court Self Help Center
    866-553-0893
  • Certified Legal Document Preparer Program
    Link

ORGANIZATIONS

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LINKS

Birth Certificates - Arizona Office of Vital Records

Social Security Administration

Benefits Checkup

Arizona Department of Economic Security

Association of Arizona Food Banks

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