1. Action Plan For Assistance
Anywhere USA
There are many ways to get assistance within your state and county. The following
steps will explain how to find the assistance you qualify for from public agencies as
well as where to obtain assistance through organizations in your community.
Step 1 – If you are out of work/lost your job – contact your Department
of Labor office o find out your eligibility to file for unemployment.
http://www.dol.gov/ - Federal: Look up you local office.
• Your social security number. A claim cannot be filed without a social security
number.
• Employer-issued separation letter or notice, if one was provided.
• Names and addresses of all employers for the last 18 months and the dates worked
for each.
• Proof of immigration status if not a U.S. citizen.
• Personal check with account number and bank routing number if you want benefits
deposited
directly into to a checking or savings account.
• Claims are effective on the date they are filed and are not retroactive to the last day
worked.
You may be eligible for insurance coverage from your previous employer via COBRA.
Currently there is a reduction in Premium program available: (play pays approx 65% of the
premium for up to 15 months) – to learn more:
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-cobra-premiumreductionEE.html
Step 1 – Unemployment Notes:
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2. Step 2 – Apply for public assistance.
File for Public Assistance – check to see which agency (ex: Department of Family
and Children Services, Human Resources, etc.) in your county handles filing for
food stamps, WIC, TANF, and other programs.
Call ahead of time to see if you need an appointment to apply for assistance. When you
apply take the following:
Be sure to call ahead of time to see if you need an appointment at your office to apply for
assistance. When you apply take the following:
***Very important: Take a Picture ID, Social Security card for all people in household,
Green Card/immigration papers
Copy of bills – mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurance, child care bills, etc.
Proof of income for household (both spouses if married) – pay stubs for at least a month,
child support payments, alimony payments, etc.****
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families – Based on very low or no income for the
household
Food Stamps – You may qualify even if employed – based on total income for household
and expenses
Childcare Assistance
Medicaid – Insurance for uninsured children – based on income
(if you do not qualify for Medicaid ask about any state insurance program)
WIC – Food program for children under 4 years old
For more info: www.fns.usda.gov/wic
2. Health Department – Some counties require that you apply for WIC at their health
department. You can also call and see what services they provide – example:
immunizations, hearing screenings, etc. For more info on WIC: www.fns.usda.gov/wic
3. Call United Way 211 - http://www.211.org/ (list of organizations in your area)
If a women is in need of emergency housing – contact your local United Way to find
organizations that offer emergency housing assistance (see info above)
4. Free School Lunch - if you have children in Public schools – obtain an application from
your school or cafeteria manager to apply for the free lunch program. If you are on food
stamps – you should automatically qualify for the free lunch program. (Be sure to fill in your
case number on the form to expedite)
To learn more: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/lunch/
Step 2 – Public Assistance Notes:
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3. Step 3 –Finances/Bills/Budget
It is very important to contact your creditors and utility companies BEFORE you get
behind on payments. They may work out partial payment arrangements with you if
you are proactive and contact them before you become delinquent.
1. Call your mortgage company and ask if one payment can be added to the end of the
mortgage, if you can pay interest only payments for a specified time, or if they will
spread any past due amounts over the next few months. You can also ask about a
Forbearance or Loan Modification. If they will not work with you to come up with a
workable solution, contact NACA – www.naca.org and apply for the Home Save
program.
2. Contact your bank concerning any loans you have – and ask if a payment can be
added to the end of the loan – if a grace period can be extended – or if a lower
payment can be made until you are able to make full payments.
3. Contact Utility Companies BEFORE they become overdue and see if a payment
plan can be arranged. Also inquire about agencies that might assist you in paying
your bill.
4. Pay your bills with cash on hand – you can get assistance for food easier than for
money.
5. Trim excess expenses – go to standard cable, basic phone services, free or low-cost
internet services, and basic cell phone services or disconnect until you can afford it.
6. Look into a loan on your 401K if necessary.
7. Use the online budget calculator at http://www.crown.org/Tools/budgetguide.asp -
good baseline for developing a budget.
Note: The agencies below that will assist you with rent, utilities, etc. – however they
may only cover a bill for 1 month. Try to contact at the beginning of the month –
funds are usually dispersed then.
Step 3 – Bills Notes:
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4. Step 4 – HealthCare and Prescription Coverage
If you have lost your job – check with the benefits department from your last
employer to find out the cost to continue your health insurance under Cobra. You
can usually extend your health insurance for 2 years – however if you can not afford
the premium - inquire when you apply for public assistance or contact your local
health department to see if you and your family qualify for state or county healthcare
programs.
Prescription Coverage
TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON PRESCRIPTIONS
Ask your physician’s office if there are any samples available.
Ask your physician if you can substitute a generic drug for the brand name.
Ask your pharmacist to recommend a less expensive substitute, then check with your
physician to make sure the substitutions are appropriate for you.
Shop around at different drug stores for the best price. Be sure the pharmacist knows all the
medications you are taking including any over the counter medications.
Find out how long you will have to take the prescribed medication so you do not end up
with more of the medication than you may need.
Ask if your pharmacist is willing to match a lower price offered by another
pharmacy/drugstore.
Ask your pharmacist about senior discounts.
You may be able to purchase less than the full prescription, if you are only able to buy a
portion of the medication at a time. Discuss this with your pharmacist.
If you/or your spouse have been in the military, you may be able to get your medications at
lower cost. Contact the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to update your
address at 1-800-538-9552. Tricare is the Pharmacy program for the military and can be
reached at 1-800-903-4680. You may also contact the Atlanta VA at 404-321-6111.
MANUFACTURERS’ AND STORE DRUG DISCOUNTS
Call for further information or check their websites to ask about specific drug coverage
on these programs.
Check your local pharmacies to see if they offer free antibiotics or low cost generic drugs
• Walmart.com - 30 day supply of select generic drugs for $4
• Target.com - 30 day supply of select generic drugs for $4
• Kmart.com - 3 month supply of select generic drugs for $15
• Pharmacy Discount Network - Get a free pharmacy savings card that you can use instantly
and start saving up to 75% on thousands of prescription drugs.
• pparx.org - find the RX program for your state

5. • Eli Lilly - With the "LillyAnswers" discount card, low-income seniors can get a 30-day
supply of Lilly retail drugs such as Prozac and Vista, an osteoporosis drug for just $12 a
month. To qualify for the card, seniors must have income of less than $18,000 a year as
singles or $24,000 as couples. The card will be honored at CVS, Longs and Wal-Mart
pharmacies. Call 1-877-RX-LILLY to apply.
• GlaxoSmithKline - GSK is starting the "Orange Card" program, which gives elderly people
who qualify 25 percent off their prescriptions. You must be 65 or older and have annual
incomes of at or less than $26,000 for individuals or $35,000 for a couple. Check back to this
site for updates on how to register. To read an article about the GSK plan, click here.
• Together Rx Card: - Call 1-800-865-7211 for more information. Receive 20% - 40%
savings on select drugs. Several drug companies participate: Abbott Laboratories,
AstraZeneca, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, GlaxoSmithKline,
Johnson & Johnson, Novartis. Annual Income Below: $28,000/Individual or
$38,000/Couple.
• Phizer – savings programs
http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/pages/Find/FindAll.aspx
• Rxaminer - For a $10 fee, Rxaminer will permit users to enter all current prescriptions and
returns a list of available generic or other suggested brands for less money.
• The Medicine Program - The prescription discount program is available to those with
family incomes ranging from below the national poverty level to $60,000 who don't have
health insurance. Call 573-996-7300 and ask for an application. Or, check the Phrma Web
site Phrma.org for a list of drug companies.
More tips to consider:
• Consider online purchases that could typically save 20% to 30%.
• Many consumers find very low prices purchasing prescription drugs from Canada.
• Are you over age 50? AARP offers discounts on mail-in orders.
• Are you a member of a managed care health program? Consider a 90-day supply of
your medicine vs. a one-month supply. You'll pay one co-payment vs. three.
• Ask if your medication is cheaper in a higher milligram dose. Then, cut the tablet as
needed for your proper dose. This method can save up to 75% of the cost.
• Always ask if a generic brand of your prescribed medicine is cheaper.
The following information is for specific needs:
To get assistance with child support – check the Federal Office of Child Support
website: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse/ - to find an office in your area.

6. Step 5 – Last but not least - Be sure to make time for fun and relaxation
When going through difficult times – it is important to find time to relax and to have
fun - it can help you keep a positive attitude. Some great ideas – free or low-cost:
1. Go to your local library and check-out books and videos. There is no charge for
checking out videos – pop some popcorn and have a movie night!
2. Look through your paper and find free events in your community – concerts – art
exhibits – parades – much to do in Metro Atlanta!
3. Contact your Parks and Recreation Department and see if they have any free
activities for families.
4. The National Parks Department offers events at parks throughout your nation. Go
to their website for more information: http://www.nps.gov/parks.html (also check
Parks in your state).
5. Pack a picnic and go to a favorite spot outdoors for dinner – enjoy a sunset…
6. Go to your Chamber of Commerce and get a guide to your county – make a trip to
see historic sites.
7. Go camping – great way for a family to get away and enjoy the outdoors or even
camp in your backyard – make Smore’s - look at the stars…
8. Contact Local Churches and find out what activities they have for members in your
family.
9. Go to a local high school ball game –- bring a thermos filled with hot chocolate to a
football game – and feel the enthusiasm!
10. A good way to reduce stress – EXERCISE - take a walk – or ride a bike – jog –
swim at a city pool…
11. Volunteer – in helping others you will find great reward.
12. If you are not a member of a church – visit local churches. The messages can be
very inspiring and can really make a difference in your week.
Remember – God loves you – and is there for you during this difficult time.
“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to Me
and I will give you rest... rest for your soul.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Website: www.thelifeboat.info
email: thelifeboat.info@comcast.net