Skip to Content

Low Income Resource Roundup | Nov 4, 2023

By: Author Nicole Thelin

Posted on  - Last updated:

Low Income Resource Roundup | Nov 4, 2023

From forgotten benefits to incredible Veteran’s Day freebies, we’ve found some important things that you need to know this week.

Every week, our team digs through the headlines from around the country to gather all the news you need to know. From scam alerts to grant programs, we’re here to make sure you never miss an opportunity to save money and get free stuff!

Contents: show

Nationwide Low Income News

In this section, we’ll discuss the nationwide updates – but don’t forget to check your state subheading below for even more local news!

Seniors Leave $30 Billion on the Table

The National Council on Aging has found that millions of seniors are struggling to survive because they aren’t enrolling in the programs that they are eligible for. About $30 billion a year in benefits go unclaimed by America’s low income seniors.

There are government assistance programs that can help you pay for many basic expenses, including food, utilities and medical care. However, many seniors aren’t aware of these programs or they are overwhelmed by the process required to get them.

When Next Avenue analyzed these numbers, they found that the forgotten money includes the following:

  • About $4 billion in Medicare Savings Programs assistance
  • About $6.3 billion in SNAP food benefits
  • About $10.6 billion in Medicare Extra Help benefits

Many seniors aren’t aware that these programs exist, so if you know a struggling senior please tell them. Let them know about our website and YouTube channel because we do our best to make these resources accessible to everyone.

States Partner with Uber & Lyft for Medicaid Appointments

To make things a little easier, many states have started partnering with ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft to help people get to your Medicaid appointments. After all, Medicaid can help cover your transportation costs to help you get to and from medical appointments.

Mississippi recently decided to do this because some Medicaid providers were experiencing very high no-show rates for appointments. According to Ryan Kelly from the Mississippi Rural Health Association, some clinics had a 75% no-show rate due to transportation challenges. As a result, many providers have stopped providing wellness checkups.

Some states, like Arizona, have been partnering with Uber and Lyft since 2019. In other states, it’s a proposal that is still being considered or developed. However, all states are required to help patients coordinate transportation to and from their medical appointments.

Veterans Day Deals

On Veterans Day, many businesses are offering deals to thank our military heroes. Check out these discounts and free offers as a way to say “Thank you” for your service.

Unless otherwise noted, these discounts are available on Veterans Day only. You’ll need proof of military service, like a DD214 or veterans ID card, in order to get these offers.

Get Your Share of these Payouts!

Sometimes companies mess up, and when they do, they owe money to the people they’ve wronged. It could be for a faulty product, a confusing ad, or unfair business moves.

Getting your share is easy. Just review the list, pick the ones you’re eligible for, click the link to go to the settlement website and complete a form. You usually don’t even need any extra paperwork. It’s really easy!

Here’s a list of upcoming settlement opportunities:

SettlementDue
OnePlus 9 Smartphone
Did you buy a OnePlus 9 or OnePlus 9 Pro Smartphone? If you bought it in the United States between March 23, 2021, and January 23, 2022, then you may be eligible for some money.		Nov 8, 2023
Dude Wipes “Flushable” False Advertising – $2.50 value (estimated)
If you bought Dude “flushable” wipes between February 5, 2015 and August 8, 2023, then you may be eligible for this check.		Nov 11, 2023
Nationstar Mortgage
If you have a mortgage serviced by Nationstar and you had an incorrect payment withdrawn on April 23, 2021, then you may be eligible!		Nov 13, 2023
Global Trade Hub (Illinois)
If you worked in Illinois for Global Trade Hub, Eve, or Utucu between October 11, 2020, and August 1, 2022, this settlement might include you.		Nov 14, 2023
Batiste Dry Shampoo
If you bought Batiste or Bare Dry Shampoo before May 30, 2023, you may be eligible for a settlement check!		Nov 15, 2023
90 Degree Benefits – $50+ value (estimated)
If your data was compromised in a data breach that took place in either February or December 2022, you may be eligible for $50 or more from this settlement! 		Nov 16, 2023
Reilly Foam Biometric Privacy (Illinois)
If you used your hand, finger, or other personal body data at a Reilly Foam place in Illinois between August 1, 2017, and August 1, 2022, you might be part of this settlement.		Nov 18, 2023
CVS Lidocaine Products
If you purchased a CVS maximum strength lidocaine product like a patch, cream, roll-on, or spray between December 11, 2017 and July 18, 2023, you might be part of this settlement.		Nov 20, 2023
Navient Solutions
If you are a borrower or coborrower of a Navient-owned private student loan AND you filed for bankruptcy protection on or after October 17, 2005, then you may be eligible for this. 		Nov 20, 2023
AdaptHealth Spam Texts – $160 value (estimated)
If you received a text about CPAP supplies from AeroCare after replying stop to an earlier message, you may be eligible for this! It covers unwanted texts sent after November 23, 2018.		Nov 21, 2023

Get Grants to Start or Grow a Business

Looking to start a business or make your current one bigger? Our sponsor, Skip, can help you find money to do just that.

Here are a few entrepreneur grant programs with upcoming deadlines:

Open Entrepreneur Grants
October Skip Grants – $1,000
Every month, Skip gives away $1,000 to a US-based small business owner! To enter to win October’s grant, you need to apply by Nov 6.
Southern California Job Creators Grant – $4,000
The SoCal Founders First Fund is looking for 25 diverse businesses in Southern California. In order to receive a grant, the founder of the company must identify as Latinx, Black, Asian, LGBTQIA+, female, or a military veteran. The business must be located in a low or moderate income area. Apply by November 13.
Galaxy Grants – $2,500
This program is looking for US-based women and minority business owners! You must refer a friend when you apply but don’t worry – if they win, you win! Apply by December 16.

It’s free to sign up for Skip so don’t delay! Claim your free Skip account today for more information.

Local Low Income News

We’ve found local news updates for 37 states this week! From free turkeys to incredible grant programs, scan the list below for your state subheading to find out what we’ve discovered in your area!

Alabama

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:

Arizona

Dont’ miss these upcoming events!

California

Orange County homeowners have a unique opportunity. The Orange County Housing Finance Trust has a new program that will provide up to $100,000 to help qualifying homeowners build an ADU on their property. An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, separate living space on the same property as another home. If you rent your new ADU out to very low income tenants for the first 10 years, you could get up to 48% of your debt forgiven.

In Sonoma County, Operation Christmas Tree has announced that they will not be able to help during the 2023 season. They are optimistic that they will be able to return next year, though.

In Southern California, students with a valid school ID can use Metrolink for free through the Student Adventure Pass program. You just need to download the app, register your school email address and verify your account.

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:

Colorado

Bringing Justice Home, a program that was designed to provide free legal help for domestic violence survivors, will be ending in 2024. This is because the program relied on grants from the Department of Justice to continue operating and their grant application was recently denied.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is currently accepting applications for low income pet vaccinations and sterilizations.

In order to qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a Connecticut resident.
  • You must participate in at least one of these programs: SNAP, TFA, Medicaid, SAGA or State Supplement

Once your application is approved, you can receive vouchers for up to two pets. These vouchers will provide a discount but they will not make the service free. You will still need to pay $80 for a male cat, $120 for a female cat, $180 for a male dog or $200 for a female dog. The vouchers need to be used within 60 days at a participating veterinarian.

You can download the application and find mailing instructions on the Animal Population Control Program page.

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

Delaware

Delaware Botanic Gardens is offering free admission for all veterans on Veterans Day, November 11. Other guests who bring a food bank donation can also get in for free.

Florida

If you were impacted by Hurricane Idalia, time is running out to apply for federal assistance! You need to apply before November 29 in order to get help.

Veterans and military members can get free passport photos from the Polk County Clerk’s office throughout the month of November. They will waive the $15 fee if you have a DD-214, military ID or veteran designation on your license.

Don’t miss these upcoming events:

Georgia

The Rotary Club of Dawson County will provide a free Thanksgiving dinner for the community this year. Unfortunately, the details are behind a paywall so you’ll need to contact the organization for details.

Don’t miss these upcoming events:

Hawaii

If you lost your home in the Maui wildfires and you still need FEMA housing assistance, you need to contact them. The agency has announced that you may still be eligible for continued rental assistance but this program has to be authorized in 3 month periods. You just need to reach out and let them know that you still need help.

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

Illinois

Crisis LIHEAP is now open for applications! That means that if you have been disconnected or if your utilities are at risk of disconnection, you can apply for LIHEAP benefits to help pay your bill. You need to contact your local Community Action Agency to apply.

Don’t miss these upcoming dates:

  • Nov 4: Coat Giveaway by 1-800-TruckWreck
  • Dec 1: LIHEAP open for everyone

Indiana

Indiana’s Adult Protective Services has finally launched a new online Case Management System to help track data and investigations. The hope is that this new system will make their investigations more efficient and effective.

The Hadi Shrine Circus is also giving away free tickets to military members and their families. You must have been serving on active duty, deployed or returned from overseas duty within the last six months. You must pick up the tickets on the evening of November 15th.

Don’t miss out on these upcoming events:

  • Nov 10: Free milkshakes for veterans at Indiana State Fairgrounds
  • Nov 15: Free ticket distribution for Hadi Shrine Circus (veterans only)

Iowa

Don’t miss these upcoming events:

Kansas

A new program in Johnson County is providing landlords with incentives if they rent to low income tenants who use Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Emergency Housing Vouchers or Permanent Supportive Housing Vouchers.

This program was intended to help reverse the decline in landlords accepting Section 8 in the area. As of the end of October, 27 landlords are participating in this program and have rented to 49 families.

Kentucky

Louisville’s MSD is offering low income customers the chance to save 30% on their bills through the Emergency Wastewater Rate Assistance Program (EWRAP) and the Senior Citizen Discount Program.

In order to qualify, you must meet these requirements:

  • You must have an income that is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • You must live in either Bullitt, Jefferson or Oldham County.
  • For EWRAP, you must be one of the first 3,000 people to apply.
  • For SCDP, you must be at least 65 years old.

For more information, please call MSD at (502) 540-6000.

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

  • Nov 7: Owensboro Transit System free day
  • Nov 11: Owensboro Transit System free day

Maryland

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

Massachusetts

In Newton, the Golda Meir House has opened another 68 affordable housing units for low income seniors. The facility also includes a movie room, art studio, dance and fitness studio and more. You must make less than 60% of the Area Median Income in order to qualify for most of the housing units, although a few are available for people who earn up to 100% of the Area Median Income.

The Mashpee Chamber of Commerce is also offering free Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, which can be delivered to your home if needed. You must email [email protected] or call (508) 477-0792 to register in advance.

Michigan

Homeowners who may be eligible for the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to receive up to $25,000 in financial assistance. If you live in Macomb County, the MSU Extension there will be providing a free clinic to help you apply. The event will take place on the afternoon of December 1 in the VerKuilen Building.

The Greater Lansing Food Bank has taken over a few programs that were previously administered by Capital Area Community Services. These programs include the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. If you live in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham or Shiawassee Counties, you will need to contact the Greater Lansing Food Bank for assistance.

Don’t miss these important dates!

Minnesota

A wonderful new law in Minnesota is going to help low income patients get the financial assistance they need. Before sending unpaid bills to collections, hospitals in Minnesota are now required to check if patients can get financial assistance with those bills.

Hospitals must screen patients for financial assistance, including charity care or sliding-scale services. They must also help those patients apply for that help before they can send the bill to collections.

Nonprofit hospitals are required to offer financial assistance to retain their tax-exempt status, but many have made the process very difficult or fail to advertise these programs. Therefore, this new law should help more people get the help that they need.

Missouri

Connie Bobo, the executive director of New Heights Community Resource Center in Bridgeton, has been accused of stealing millions of dollars from a program that was designed to feed low income kids. According to the federal indictment, she billed the federal government around $11 million to cover the cost of approximately six million meals. However, her receipts tell a different story.

The federal indictment says that her agency only purchased enough food and milk to serve less than half that amount of meals. It’s believed that Bobo used the rest of that money to purchase a million-dollar home, purchase homes for relatives and even invest in commercial real estate. She also gifted $1.4 million to a romantic partner, who used around $200,000 to buy a Mercedes-Benz.

If she is convicted, she will face more than 20 years in prison.

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:

  • Nov 6: Winners Selected for the St. Louis Guaranteed Income Program

Nebraska

Nebraska is currently holding onto more than $125 million in federal funds that were intended to help low income families. The state’s TANF reserve fund has continued to grow despite the fact that child poverty is rising in the state.

Lawmakers have held a hearing to evaluate the problem. It appears that the state only spends about 30% of what it receives on assistance, partially because so few families qualify for the help due to the strict income, work and dependency requirements.

Katie Nungesser, the policy coordinator for Voices for Children in Nebraska, stated that it isn’t because people don’t need them. It’s because of outdated eligibility requirements. She said that 90% of Nebraskan families that applied were denied.

New Mexico

On Veterans Day, veterans who live in New Mexico can enjoy free admission to the following destinations:

  • Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site in Fort Sumner
  • Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo
  • Fort Selden in Radium Springs
  • Fort Stanton in Capitan
  • Jemez Historic Site, just north of Jemez Springs
  • Lincoln Historic Site in Lincoln
  • Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde
  • Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe
  • Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe
  • National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces
  • New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe
  • New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe
  • New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science in Albuquerque
  • New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo

You may be able to visit the Space History and Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum for free even if you don’t have New Mexico residency.

New York

Don’t miss these upcoming events:

North Carolina

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:

  • Nov 11: Free Veterans Day Luncheon in Tuscola
  • Nov 11: Free Veterans Day lunch in New Bern
  • Dec 1: Medicaid expansion begins

North Dakota

Sanford Health recently received a substantial grant to provide free lodging for cancer patients during their treatments. It is not clear exactly how this program will be operated, but it’s good news for cancer patients who have to travel great distances for their treatments.

Ohio

The Ohio Department of Aging has a new grant program to help low income seniors in Columbiana County get home repair. This program will provide both indoor and outdoor fixes to improve safety, such as ramp installation, installing exterior lighting, fixing uneven payment, or fixing HVAC systems. You must be over age 60 to qualify.

Don’t miss these updates:

Oklahoma

Morris Public Schools has recently started providing a third free meal for its students every day. This meal takes place during the last hour of each school day. Federal regulations require the meal to be eaten at school. It cannot be taken home.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s tax forgiveness provision is under scrutiny. The provision is designed to eliminate the state’s personal income tax for low income individuals and families. However, the income limits have not kept up with inflation.

The last update happened in 2003, when the income limits were set to $32,000. According to StateCollege.com, that would be over $50,000 in today’s dollars. As a result, the number of qualifying families has dropped by almost 20%.

Some lawmakers and advocates are pushing the state to update those limits, since this is the longest period of time without an increase since the law was passed.

Meanwhile, low income residents in Bradford County may be able to pick up free smoke detectors from their local fire departments. A grant helped the agencies secure almost 300 packs of detectors that are ready for distribution.

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

Rhode Island

The annual Buy Nothing Coat Exchange will be held in Providence on the morning of November 24th. The event is open to everyone who would like to donate or receive winter gear. All the items at the event are provided for free, and there are usually coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other winter items available.

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has extended the pilot program that has been providing free bus passes to homeless or low income riders. The program will continue running for about another month under the new authorization.

Don’t forget about these upcoming events!

  • Nov 24: Buy Nothing Coat Exchange in Providence

South Carolina

Francis Marion University in Florence will soon waive freshman tuition costs for first-generation students and those who receive Pell Grants. This program will be called Premier Pledge.

Tennessee

The state of Tennessee has enjoyed a grocery tax holiday for the last three months. Unfortunately, that holiday ended this week and many people were startled when grocery bills jumped up by almost 7%!

If your grocery bills recently rose, that may be why. Don’t forget that there are many ways to get help with groceries!

Texas

Everyone can enjoy free day-use admission to Texas State Parks on November 5! The state’s Parks Department is also trying to remind all veterans about the new Parkland Passports that can give you free year-round admission to all Texas State Parks as well.

Meanwhile, a new program at the UT Health San Antonio dental program is offering free dental services for veterans who have blood cancer. This new service is funded by a grant from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You’ll need to call (210) 450-3700 for more information.

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates!

Vermont

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:

Virginia

Keep tabs on these upcoming dates:

Washington

The Community Assistance Program in Whatcom County is accepting applications for Thanksgiving meal baskets and holiday toys. You must apply by November 10th for Thanksgiving assistance or November 26th for Christmas assistance.

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

West Virginia

Don’t miss these upcoming events!

Wisconsin

The Kettle Moraine YMCA in West Bend is offering a free one-week guest pass to veterans! The pass is valid from November 4 through the 12th. Stop by the welcome desk to pick it up!

Keep tabs on these upcoming events!

  • Nov 1: Winter Moratorium for utilities begins
  • Dec 6: Deadline to apply for Jefferson County Christmas Neighbors
  • Jan 31: Wisconsin Fund application deadline

Wyoming

The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund has expanded! More people are eligible now and the maximum payout has increased from $17,000 to $35,000!

If you restructured your mortgage in order to save your home, you may be eligible to get help now as well. If you took a partial claim second mortgage, you may also be able to get help.

You can apply online for this one-time relief program.

Summary

There are opportunities to save money and get free stuff all over the country this week! From free winter gear to free hot meals, we’ve scoured the headlines to bring you all the news you need to know. Check out our Nationwide section for information that is relevant to the entire USA or check out your state subheading for more local updates. Don’t forget to check out our other recent Resource Roundups as well!

Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.

Eliabeth

Saturday 11th of November 2023

I just watched this on YouTube and it spoke of optical visits and free glasses for people in the state of Oregon during the month of November. There is no information about that on this page. If by some chance youu found out that it was full, a note that it had ended would ne nice.

Catherine Marucci

Tuesday 14th of November 2023

Hi. The info is on this page: https://lowincomerelief.com/will-your-benefits-be-impacted-by-a-government-shutdown-in-2023-low-income-resource-roundup/

Emelie Surles

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

Dennys is giving a free Grand Slam to veterans on Friday, Nov 10th from 5 am till Noon.

Emelie Surles

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

Rutherford county, NC is holding a veterans breakfast on Nov 11Th as well.