Women’s Independent Press

By Patricia Thibault
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

More than half a million Americans experience homelessness on any given night. Nearly 20 percent of them are “chronically homeless,” meaning they are on the streets regularly.
Social Security has several programs that pay benefits to qualified individuals, including those who are homeless. These programs include retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for people who are blind, disabled, or age 65 or older. If you know someone who is homeless, and you want to learn more about how Social Security might help, a good place to get information is at www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness.

That page includes a link to the Spotlight on Homelessness — a website designed to help the homeless apply for SSI. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm.

The homelessness page also includes links to information on health care for the homeless, institutionalization, advocacy groups, reports on homeless outreach, and even links to other websites like the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and HUD.
You’ll find other information helpful to the homeless on www.socialsecurity.gov .

For example, there is a link to our Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST. Based on answers to various questions, this tool helps determine the benefits someone might be eligible for and gives information about how to qualify and apply. Go directly to www.socialsecurity.gov/best.

Tell anyone you know who is homeless or threatened with homelessness to use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool and to check out the different types of benefits and assistance they may be eligible to receive. Spread the word about the help available to the homeless.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/homelessness to learn more.

by Anne Fleming
www.women-drivers.com

As www.Women-Drivers.com advises, it’s always smart to get a winter tune up—before winter arrives. Tires, batteries, belts, blades and fluids will all be checked or replaced to maximize your car’s performance and safety, during the most challenging months on the road.

To avoid accidents or sliding altogether, never exceed the speed limit. When driving in snow or in freezing conditions, reduce the car’s speed to allow time to react.
If you do hit snow or ice, brake gently, in other words, brake in a slow and steady manner. If the vehicle begins to ‘lock up’ and slide, take your foot off the brake and simultaneously down shift.

Did You Know? If in an accident, dial 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance. Do not continuously run your vehicle’s engine. If you are stranded, run it about every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

· If you veer off the road and are unable to maneuver back onto a road, it’s best for your personal safety to stay in the vehicle.

· Use your lights, high beams, flashlight or flashers to get the attention of other vehicles. Use your cell phone to call 911 to get help or to call for roadside assistance.

· Do not continuously run the engine. If you are stranded, run the engine every 30 or 60 minutes to get heat in the car.

· Do not drink alcohol – it will lower the temperature of your body and increasingly make you drowsy.

Keep the following items with you in the trunk of your vehicle:

· Fist Aid supplies

· Jumper cables

· Ice scraper with brush

· Tire chains

· Blankets

· Salt or sand – or, kitty litter

· Flashlight and batteries

· Emergency flares

· Snow or retractable shovel

· Water

· Extra phone charger

· Large jar candle and matches

· Quart of oil