Being poor doesn’t have to completely suck. There are some perks! How about a discount on your internet, free cell phone, discounted phone service, free tablet, heating and cooling assistance, sliding scale rent or fees for doctors, or even FREE membership to local gyms or the YMCA?

Making ends meet can be tough, especially when you’re on a limited income. Luckily, there are many programs and resources available to help individuals and families who receive food stamps, Medicaid, welfare, disability or retirement. Here’s a list of freebies and discounts you can take advantage of:

Food and Groceries:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This federal program provides electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to purchase groceries at authorized retailers.
• Free or Reduced-Price School Meals: Children whose families are enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying programs can receive free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school.
• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Vouchers are distributed to low-income seniors to purchase fresh produce at farmers’ markets.
• Feeding America: A network of food banks that provide free or low-cost groceries to eligible individuals and families.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Programs that connect consumers directly with local farms, often offering discounted shares of seasonal produce.

Utilities and Services:

• Lifeline Program: Provides a discount on phone or internet service for low-income households.
• Emergency Broadband Benefit: A temporary program that offers a $50/month discount on broadband internet and up to $100 discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer for eligible households.

***NOTE you CANNOT get BOTH Lifeline and Broadband discount***

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps low-income families pay for heating and cooling costs.
• Waste Disposal Discounts: Some municipalities offer reduced rates for trash collection to low-income residents.

Transportation:

• Reduced Fares on Public Transportation: Many public transit systems offer discounted fares for individuals with Medicaid or other qualifying programs. Welfare recipients can get a FREE BUS PASS from their department of social services.
• Gas Discounts: Some gas stations offer discounts to SNAP or WIC recipients.

Healthcare:

• Medicaid: Covers a wide range of medical services for low-income individuals and families.
• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Provides health insurance coverage to children whose families have incomes that are too high for Medicaid but too low for private insurance.
• Free or Discounted Clinics: Many community health centers offer free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision care to low-income residents.

Education and Activities:

• Head Start: Early childhood education program for low-income children.
• Free or Reduced-Price Museum Admission: Many museums offer free or discounted admission to SNAP or WIC recipients.
• Public Libraries: Libraries offer free books, movies, music, and internet access.
• YMCA and YWCA: These organizations offer discounted memberships and programs for low-income families. If you Blue Cross for your health insurance, you can get a FREE Membership to the YMCA. Other insurances off FREE gym memberships.

Special programs and partnerships:

• Double Up Food Bucks: This program matches the amount of SNAP benefits used to purchase fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
• Healthy Options Discount Program: This program offers discounts on healthy groceries at participating grocery stores to WIC and Medicaid recipients.
• Charity partnerships: Many businesses partner with local charities or food banks to offer discounts or free products to low-income individuals and families.

Here are some tips for finding benefits from vendors and businesses:

• Ask around: Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors to see if they know of any businesses that offer discounts for low-income individuals.
• Check online: Many websites list businesses and organizations that offer discounts to those on government assistance.
• Look for signs and advertisements: Some businesses advertise their discounts in-store or online.
• Don’t be afraid to ask: If you see something you’re interested in, don’t be afraid to ask the cashier or manager if they offer any discounts for low-income customers.

Food and Groceries:

• Giant Eagle: This grocery store chain offers a 10% discount on groceries to SNAP recipients every Wednesday.
• ShopRite: This grocery store chain offers a 5% discount on groceries to WIC recipients every Tuesday.
• Farmers Markets: Many farmers markets participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches the amount of SNAP benefits used to purchase fruits and vegetables.

Restaurants:

• Chipotle: This fast-casual restaurant chain offers a 10% discount to Medicaid recipients who show their ID card.
• Denny’s: This diner chain offers a senior discount (usually 10-15%) that can be combined with other promotions. Many seniors qualify for Medicaid or other assistance programs.
• Local Cafes: Many local cafes and restaurants offer special deals or discounts for low-income diners. It’s worth checking out the menus or asking the staff.

Entertainment:

• AMC Theatres: This movie theater chain offers a discount program called “Senior Tuesdays” where seniors can get discounted tickets every Tuesday.
• Museums: Many museums offer free or discounted admission to SNAP or WIC recipients. You can usually find information about these programs on the museum’s website.

Additional Resources:

• gov: A one-stop shop for government benefits information.
• National Low Income Housing Coalition: Provides information and resources on affordable housing.
• 211: A free, confidential service that connects people with essential community resources.
• Retailers: Some grocery stores, clothing stores, and other retailers offer discounts to SNAP or Medicaid recipients. You can often find these discounts advertised in-store or online.
• Restaurants: Some restaurants offer special discounts or deals for low-income diners. This might be a family meal deal, a senior discount, or a discount for those who present their EBT card.
• Entertainment: Movie theaters, bowling alleys, and other entertainment venues sometimes offer discounted tickets or passes for low-income families.
• Haircuts and beauty services: Some salons and barbershops offer discounted haircuts or other services to low-income clients.
• National Low Income Housing Coalition: This organization provides information and resources on affordable housing, including rental assistance programs.

Remember, this is just a small sampling of the many discounts and benefits available to people who receive food stamps, Medicaid, welfare, SSD, SSI, or retirement. It’s always a good idea to ask around, check online, and look for signs and advertisements to find out what’s available in your area. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these programs and services to stretch your budget and make ends meet.