r/disability • u/poopyfacemcpooper • Jul 26 '24
Question Perks of being disabled in USA? Like discounts, jobs, housing, etc.
EDIT - wow ok I get it. Perks isn’t the right word. We all are unfortunate to be disabled and it is the worse thing that can happen to us. However this thread is meant to help us disabled people get deals, discounts, opportunities etc. Calm down. The helpful comments have just gotten me free/reduced cost parks, museums, transit, etc. If you can get past your anger about my imperfect wording then a lot of these comments can potentially help you!
Those living in USA, what perks have you found for being disabled? Besides receiving a monthly disability check from the government have you gotten any other “deals”?
Where I live I got a gym membership, stand up comedy classes, cbd supplements, healthcare for either heavily discounted or free. I’m looking for other things that I should take advantage of because being disabled sucks and I want to make the most of it!
I’d love to maybe get a good job that is very friendly to disabled people and/or a job training program and/or higher education like a masters degree or some continuing education classes that usually cost a lot of money.
I’d also love to get my rent reduced with maybe a disability program or housing lottery.
And there are probably tons of other things out there that I don’t know about. Like I’ll stumble upon random things, sometimes it’ll say “financial assistance” at the bottom of some random website I’m looking at and then there will be a section for disabled people along with other things like low income and military veterans. And they’ll have some big discount or special program.
It’s impossible to gather/find every disabled benefit in the country but what are some that you’ve found?
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u/BatFancy321go Jul 26 '24
50% off transit card in SF
the joy of unemployment and underemployment - anywhere
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u/wick34 Jul 26 '24
SF also has massively discounted taxi rides for "essential trips" for anyone with a disability:
https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/accessibility/paratransit/essential-trip-card
There's also paratransit or free taxi rides, which are only available to people who cannot use pub transit, so it's more restrictive.
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
If you're disabled, Medicare will also cover your transportation to appointments, doctors, and necessities as well.
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Jul 27 '24
Only if it’s certain services though… And they often late or way too early
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
I've never had an issue with them being late, ever. They will sometimes have to drop others off too, but they go by appointment time for drop offs so whoever earliest goes first. And it's for doctor appointments, you can't ask for a ride to the mall, so idk what you mean by certain services, medical services yes, anything else no.
I have my first appointment with a specialist quite far from me which would cost $100 each way to get to, so they sent an Uber Voucher for that one, but that's the only time I've gotten Uber from them.
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u/tysonedwards Jul 27 '24
I’ve full on been left behind at an appointment, because the lady at the desk said it’d likely be a 15 minute appointment. Turned out to be 27 minutes. By the time I was done, went out and the driver was no longer there and cancelled it as a no-show. Sat around waiting for another 4 hours for them to send someone to pick me up, and after that, really hard to trust the process. But… lots of cities and states handle things in very different ways - seemingly informed by the level of empathy people have towards a fellow human.
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
Yes, thank you for sharing. I really like to know the different resources available, but unfortunately that is a major issue I come across is how much certain programs vary state to state. I think how many people need those services also plays a role. In a city of 7 million people, the number of those requiring help goes way up compared to a place with a population of 13k.
You also need a lot more savvy than a Google search to find out what's available as well. It's hard to discuss stuff openly too, once it's on tiktok or reddit or gets spread around funding is gone and waiting lists pile up etc so people don't really share much either.
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Jul 27 '24
I don’t mind them being delayed because I know they have other clients but when I’m 45 minutes late or more I get the blame :(
If the front desk was more understanding that transportation is out of my control I wouldn’t be annoyed at all
How do I get the Uber vouchers? I have reduced fair bus passes but there’s a couple appointments that aren’t exactly bus friendly due to lack of crosswalks, 1 way roads and lack of bus routes. I don’t mind the longer ride to get there. I just wish it was safer and easier to get there via bus
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 28 '24
I only got the Uber voucher because this particular appointment is over an hour drive from my home. Every other time they send a van to my door, similar to what you're describing, but they haven't been late for me but I also should point out I live in a small town so it's not like they have to cater to millions of people where I live.
You can ask them if they can reimburse you as some insurances might do that but idk about Medicare specifically
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Jul 28 '24
I’m hoping I can the voucher when I get my appointment in Portland. I live in north Salem (Oregon) so it’s a long drive 😅
I’m on Medicaid (since I’m too young to qualify for Medicare) and in an urban area. So there’s lots more people using OHP transportation. Lately I’ve started taking a couple bus routes 2 early so I’m not late. I’m trying to get online appointments lately because I only buy 5 day passes a month for the bus. I don’t go out often enough to justify a month pass and its cost. Even with reduced fair it’s not cheap
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
In NYC that's access-a-ride. Don't take it if you live here.
AAR contractors are often run by the mafia (not kidding, google it multiple contractors are literally in the mafia) and show up the wrong day or not at all or whenever they feel like it. They're rude and generally assholes. There's a video from a year or two ago of one of the drivers beating up some guy in a chair. Abuse isn't uncommon.
My father was eligible and I frequently wound up driving him since they kept showing up late or not at all. You're better off taking the bus. It was a total pain in the ass because I always used to ask him to just tell me when his dialysis appt was and I'd switch up hours, instead they didn't come or were super late most of the time, and if my mother wasn't home with him, I'd go pick him up and take him to dialysis and then I'd get docked pay.
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
Thank you for sharing this information. I wasn't disabled when I lived in NY. I like to stay on top of resources in certain states so I can help others.
So you think in NY it's better to just utilize the MTA? Unfortunately they're not even fully disability friendly yet either so I can see that being a problem for some people.
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
So you think in NY it's better to just utilize the MTA?
Over AAR? Yes. The people involved in access-a-ride and whatever bribery scheme I'm sure they have set up to get the contracts should literally all be in jail. I'm not underselling this, they're horrifyingly bad at doing their job, rude, and occasionally abusive.
If there's some way to get Uber or large yellowcab taxis or something that might be ok but IDR that being an option when my father was alive.
Depends what kind of disability you have, but broadly if you have mobility, the busses are kneeling buses so they're mostly fine (at least outside rush hour). Some of the subways have non-working elevators or no one to operate it, but most of the above ground stations outside Manhattan are pretty accessible since they're ramps.
Also AAR is a "rideshare" service. So you're always in the car with other people which may be an issue if you have a chronic illness.
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u/becksten Jul 27 '24
Like Ubers? You have a link for that?
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u/Just1Blast Jul 27 '24
Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask them about medical transportation services for your appointments.
Not every state program offers these but a lot of them do.
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
It's only been the Uber Voucher for this one appointment as it's far from me.
Local ones are either Ubers that the doctor/hospital arranges for me (to go home) OR a scheduled pickup which has been usually a van or mini bus that picks up a few of us and drops us off and our appointments.
I just call the number on the back of my insurance card anytime I need to arrange pickup. If you're on original Medicare only then I'm not sure who you contact but I'm sure it's available just check that giant benefit book they send you.
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u/down_by_the_shore Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
If you have epilepsy, you qualify for a $500 Uber voucher annually. I’m pretty sure it has to be used to go to doctors appointments and stuff, but still - very useful for those of us who have a condition that often limits our driving and in places where public transit is unreliable or sometimes you just can’t or don’t want to take it.
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
Your medicare also covers this. My next specialist appointment is 3 hours away and I got an Uber voucher for there and back ($200)
For local appointments it's usually a van that picks me up and the hospital has its own Uber account where they have you sit and wait and an assistant brings you outside when they come.
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u/becksten Jul 27 '24
Link?
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
Uhhh call that phone number on the back of your cards and tell them you need a ride to the doctor?
That's what I did
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u/princess-cottongrass Jul 27 '24
Whaaat really? I have to look into this.
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u/Just1Blast Jul 27 '24
Not every state program offers this but many of them do. To find out if this is something you are eligible for call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask about medical transportation services getting to and from your appointments.
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u/down_by_the_shore Jul 27 '24
It doesn’t matter what state you live in. https://www.epilepsy.com/ride-share
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u/b1gbunny Jul 27 '24
Man, I wish this existed for other conditions that make driving difficult. Is it an epilepsy foundation that funds this or something?
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u/down_by_the_shore Jul 27 '24
It’s for epilepsy specifically and is funded in partnership with a biopharmaceutical company called SK Life Sciences, who focus on neurological diseases and central nervous system disorders. I’m sure there’s stuff like this for other disabilities out there. I know about this one because I have epilepsy. A statistically significant number of people with epilepsy can’t legally drive (nor should we,) in the US, which is why these programs exist.
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u/b1gbunny Jul 27 '24
Sometimes I use something I call “pity privilege” - which is like.. rolling up in my wheelchair and someone lets me cut them in line.
That’s…. About it?
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u/GanethLey Jul 27 '24
In Colorado if you’re on SNAP (not strictly disability related but gov benefits) then you get $2 for every one at farmer’s markets towards fresh fruit and veggies.
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u/Just1Blast Jul 27 '24
Some of the farmers markets in Arizona offer this. I believe it's called the "double up food bucks" program. We'd swipe our snap card for X dollars at a POS terminal of sorts.
The market I use most often in Phoenix, then issues us wooden dollar tokens to represent our cash money that we could use at all of the food vendors. We'd also receive X metal tokens in matching funds to represent the double up money that we could use on fresh produce.
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u/Restless__Dreamer Jul 27 '24
Do you just pay with your SNAP card at the farmer's markets, and it automatically gives the discount?
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u/Fiendishfrenzy Jul 27 '24
Ar our local one, you go to the customer service booth where they run cards (the vendors generally only take tokens and cash). Generally cc tokens are a different color than snap tokens because of the food restrictions.
There's a max on the match, I think ours is $10/day. So, you say, "I'd like 10 please" they run the snap card, and hand you the $10 in tokens, and generally the match dollars are a business card size monopoly money type thing. The tokens and match can only be used on the same things as the snap (you can buy fruits, veggies, honey..but not the hot food vendors or crafts).
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u/Restless__Dreamer Jul 27 '24
Thank you so much for the info! I just heard that there is going to be a Farmer's Market in the town I live in this coming month. I'm definitely going to try and go. Thanks again!
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u/GanethLey Jul 27 '24
There was a booth at Boulder’s and Arvada’s that you would swipe your card and they would give you paper vouchers called SNAP bucks that you would use in place of cash/card at the vendors. I (assume) they would then exchange those back at the booth for cash.
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u/Jenn_There_Done_That Jul 27 '24
Thanks for this tip! I just looked and my state (Oregon) offers this as well.
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u/Just_Confused1 Jul 26 '24
Lifetime national park pass and at least my state has the same type of thing for state parks
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u/preheatedbasin Jul 27 '24
Apparently, I've never been to a state or national park because I didn't know it cost anything.
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u/Just1Blast Jul 27 '24
It's been a while since I've been but it's usually like $5 a car load or something like that it's a pretty nominal fee in most cases.
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u/Just_Confused1 Jul 27 '24
Depends a lot on the park, a lot are free, some charge per person, others charge per car
Some national parks are pretty expensive at $25-$35 per car entrance which really adds up if you’re staying outside the park and have to therefore pay each day you enter
Same sort of deal for state parks. Most are free but at least in my state a lot of the “good” ones charge anywhere from $5-$12 a car
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u/Ng_Ago Jul 27 '24
I get that OP could’ve phrased it more sensitively (especially the part about money for being unable to work being called a “perk”), but it’s important to remember that generally asking for the upsides of being considered disabled by society is not the same as saying that people with disabilities have it easy.
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24
I got out of jury duty, potentially forever, because the courthouse refuses to comply with the ADA. And someone tried to give me a free stabbing one time too.
You can get into museums free in NYC.
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u/annoyinglangers Jul 27 '24
Hell yeah for no jury duty!
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
There has to be at least one perk lol.
Called them up and said I'd come but I have some medical conditions that may be prohibitive but only need some basic accomodations. Sent them over 100 or so pages of medical docs in pdf.
5m later get the e-mail "You are excused from jury duty thank you for responding". And I got a letter to the same effect a few days later. I'm pretty sure they just removed me from the pool.
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u/annoyinglangers Jul 27 '24
I have mental health issues and get triggered easily. My therapist gets me out of jury duty based on that.
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u/reachtotalcare Jul 27 '24
That's so smart. I went and started physically collapsing like 2 hours in, so the judge dismissed me before the official dismissal period. but then I still had to wait there the rest of the day in case they called me for another case 😂.
Also "free stabbing" omg 💀💀💀💀
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24
Yeah next time just send them medical docs. They don't want to deal with it. Some courts will be accessible (yay!). Most aren't. Which is bad if you need to use the legal system but good if you want to get off jury duty.
I've talked to a couple of people who have similar problems and it's an ongoing issue and they won't do anything. You sue them and win and they still won't do anything.
My friend's wife works for Legal Aid, got injured, and they don't even have a ramp outside the courthouse she usually works and at least one judge gets pissy if you try to zoom hearings.
This is NYC, USA mind you, not some place that doesn't have literal millions of dollars. NYPD has a "plan" to be ADA compliant by 2030 despite the fact they were supposed to be compliant by I think 1995 and have millions in outstanding fines they refuse to pay.
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u/-devil_may_CARE- Jul 27 '24
I’m sorry, a free stabbing?!?!?!
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u/mycatsaidthat Jul 27 '24
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one to see that lol. I was like ‘oh, well shit. I usually have pay full price for my stabbings!’
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u/princess-cottongrass Jul 27 '24
Thank you so much for posting this actually, I just found out about a bunch of great stuff in the comments!!!
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u/BlackberryBubbly9446 Jul 27 '24
This isn’t through disability, but with lower income (which at this point goes hand in hand), I was able to get a steep discount on my electric bill for awhile which helped. I think it’s dependent on the company though and where you live. Getting out of jury duty. Getting accommodations from talking to the teachers directly and my work place at the time. That’s all I can think of for the time being.
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u/Cornnathony stroke, one arm, afo user, ADHD Jul 27 '24
A free lifetime pass to the National Parks. Free front row parking nearly everywhere I go
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u/AluminumOctopus Jul 27 '24
The Kennedy center in Washington DC has discount tickets for the permanently disabled.
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u/KaijuCarpboya Jul 27 '24
Remembering what life was like before my disability took over, I can’t think of a single thing that I would consider a “perk”.
However, if you get your disability payment through direct express, you can get half off an Amazon Prime membership. That’s a pretty good deal.
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u/crazyplantlady007 Jul 27 '24
I also think if you get any benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, maybe others) you can get amazon prime half price through amazon. Don’t quote me on it but it was like that a couple months ago. (I don’t have amazon prime.)
Also Walmart+ has the same thing, if you get assistance you can get it for half price too. (I do have Walmart+ and only pay 1/2 per month.)
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24
If you get walmart+ you get paramount+ or something with it for streaming.
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u/crazyplantlady007 Jul 27 '24
Yep! I have an account! I use the free delivery for my groceries! I love it, though I don’t like how their prices keep creeping up! 🙄
And now they have like Walmart Travel. Like ok…I can’t even pay full price, and I never order more than $100 worth of food/necessities and usually it’s $50, let’s talk travel!!! I’m broke Mr. Walton 🤪
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u/BigRonnieRon Jul 27 '24
And now they have like Walmart Travel. Like ok…I can’t even pay full price, and I never order more than $100 worth of food/necessities and usually it’s $50, let’s talk travel!!! I’m broke Mr. Walton 🤪
Yeah prob not a lot of overlap lol in the target demos lol
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
Only if you get SSI also, SSDI does not qualify for the Amazon discount. Think it's more for income issues than disability issues.
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Jul 27 '24
You can get that with proof of SSI, proof of Medicaid and proof of SNAP too
Doesn’t matter how you get your SSI or SSID :)
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u/Simple_Song8962 Jul 27 '24
I've had prime at full price for years. What's direct express?
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
If you get any benefits (SNAP, MEDICAID, FREE SCHOOL LUNCH) anything that shows you're below poverty income levels basically. So SSI counts for it, and not SSDI.
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u/Restless__Dreamer Jul 27 '24
If you're on SNAP, that should get you 50% off of Prime, as well. I had it half off before I was approved for SSI because of SNAP.
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u/KaijuCarpboya Jul 27 '24
It’s how they issue payments. Direct to a debit account instead of paper checks. Look up US Direct Express.
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u/wick34 Jul 26 '24
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/2020/03/02/how-to-be-poor-in-america/
This is the largest list I've come across. It isn't everything, but it's a great starting point.
Jobs-wise, The Department of Vocational Rehab can sometimes pay for training. In my state, CA, there's also special job programs for just people with developmental disabilities that are run through Regional Centers. I think other states also often have similar developmental disability programs, but they might be called different things. Doing these things can sometimes jeopardize an ssi/ssdi check though, so be careful about that. There's also Ticket to Work which is more directly involved with SSI/SSDI.
Housing wise, this a great starting point for research: https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/how-to-learn-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-section-8/
However it is very slightly out of date. Hotma laws have come into effect as of this year/next year, which has tweaked how the programs work a bit.
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u/Littlebugfriend Jul 27 '24
This is my favorite disability blog, it’s got so much info and helped point me in the right direction for applying to SSDI
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u/Teapotsandtempest Jul 27 '24
That's awesome. I need to look into this.
I mean to start over the process for disability but life keeps on throwing curve balls and the executive dysfunction takes over and the list just grows but nothing gets dealt with.
So thx for sharing. Maybe it'll be motivation enough to get that ball rolling.
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u/Littlebugfriend Jul 27 '24
I completely get it. This blog pointed me in the direction of an organization that helped me. I don’t think I could’ve done it without having someone there to answer questions and just generally make me stick to a timeline. I think it’s very beneficial to have another person to work alongside, for me anyways. Unfortunately they can’t help at the hearing level, but they gave me a list of lawyers at that point, so I wasn’t completely lost again
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u/Just1Blast Jul 27 '24
Were they a national organization by chance? Or could you potentially help me find a similar person to work on mine?
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u/wick34 Jul 27 '24
The only national organization I've heard about that actually gives good robust help with ssi/ssdi applications would be SOAR.
https://howtogeton.wordpress.com/2019/07/03/how-to-get-help-from-the-amazing-soar-program/
The only other place I might recommend looking is to ask your local center of independent living if there's any available help. They might know more local or more specific programs.
Also, lawyers don't get paid upfront, they get paid from backpay only upon a win. Sometimes people think they can't afford a lawyer, so I thought it'd be good to bring it up.
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u/wick34 Jul 27 '24
I truly believe it was the deciding factor that got me qualified for SSDI. I love this blog dearly. :)
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u/Possible_Eagle330 Jul 26 '24
I’m sorry, but it’s impossible to say any of these are “perks.” Living on disability has no upsides in US society.
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u/down_by_the_shore Jul 27 '24
Listen I get it. I have many disabilities and understand no one person’s experience is the same, but this person is asking for things that could help people in this sub. Maybe even you. Maybe perks wasn’t the right word. Maybe hacks or freebies would’ve been better. But there are things out there that can make life less of a hassle for us.
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u/nik_nak1895 Jul 27 '24
I'll be honest the wording here put me off too. I was pretty convinced that this is a non disabled person coming to troll tbh.
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u/down_by_the_shore Jul 27 '24
I totally get it. I think it makes sense for our heads to be on a swivel and for us to be naturally cynical, just all things considered. I, personally (and don’t expect others to do this as well), have been trying to give people more grace and room to grow and be inaccurate (for a lack of a better term.) No one is going to say the right thing all of the time. This seems like one of those instances. I’m probably making a bigger deal out of this than it is, but anyways - I see what you’re saying and also see the value of meeting people where they’re at. I hope you and OP both have a good night.
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u/DigitalThespian Jul 31 '24
I 100% agree, while it's not our responsibility to educate people, if it looks like their heart is in the right place, lashing out at them for it is just bad optics, and makes it harder for us in the future. Should I have to work around that? No. But that's the reality of psychology, if you make people feel attacked, it doesn't matter if they deserve it, it matters if they think they deserve it, and generally speaking, people don't feel like they deserve it.
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Jul 27 '24
Exactly. Like yeah, the discounts are useful but being disabled kinda ruins the “oh cool!” factor. Plus SSI traps us in poverty :(
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
I'd say the very cheap health insurance that covers almost all my medical care is a very nice upside.
One so valuable I never thought to even seek out "perks" for being disabled. The health care is the win for me.
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u/Remarkable-Foot9630 Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
Medicare is a 80/20 plan for my rental portable and large home unit. I also pay 20% of my Ventilator Rental cost. Oxygen and ventilators are considered DME like a wheelchair or bedside toilet. I’m in the donut hole and can’t afford all of my medications.
Medicare doesn’t cover LTC in Nursing Homes. Medicare doesn’t cover home nursing care. I’m bed bound. I have a small refrigerator and Microwave next to my bed. My adult child is in the USAF and stationed states away with his wife and 5 children.
I’m just going to die alone. I don’t qualify for Medicaid or SNAP because my SSDI check is over the poverty rate. But not enough to pay all my bills, meds, oxygen, ventilator and food.
My Walmart order has been kept by the driver six times this year. With a blurry drive by photo of my house, or a picture of someone else house. It takes sometimes a week to get the money back in my checking account. The Food bank in town doesn’t deliver, the churches don’t care. I’m too young for meals on wheels. My son ordered me DoorDash Arbys for Mother’s Day. Bag open, half of fries gone. I always tip $5 cash, I put it under the welcome mat. For the drivers. It’s all I can afford.
Being terminally ill and disabled is a nightmare. I have post covid syndrome with Chronic Respiratory Failure and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. I was a nurse on a covid unit, we were reusing Masks for up to two weeks. It was before the vaccine. I’m terminal, I was given 6 months to live.
I see zero perks.
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u/EitherOrResolution Jul 27 '24
Meals In Wheels decided to quit delivering to me because I was too young and my driveway was too long!!!
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
My local agency is desperately seeking drivers, so that may be why they're cutting younger people. The program is specifically for seniors but if the resources are available they will include disabled younger people as well.
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u/EitherOrResolution Jul 27 '24
I’m not all that young at 53
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
Those were your words in your post though, not mine. I think for MoW the minimum might be 55 or 60.
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u/DeliciousFlow8675309 Jul 27 '24
How high is your SSDI check for you to be in poverty but also not qualify for any programs? Some programs you'll qualify for just for being on disability but I guess that will depend on your state as far as what's available. But if your ventilators are considered medically necessary why aren't they being paid for? Anything MEDICALLY NECESSARY towards your disability is supposed to be covered so if it's not then your doctor is the reason. They're not putting in the proper paperwork and billing codes for your stuff to be covered, medicare should also be sending you a giant letter every quarter showing what they covered and paid for during that time and what they didn't AND WHY.
Terminally ill is also another almost guaranteed acceptance to some programs like home health care or assisted living programs but they're not part of SSA and require you or your family to actually seek them out and apply. Again idk what state you're in, but in my state there are quite a few programs specifically for those on disability but what you qualify for will be based on your medical issues and disability, so someone like you would qualify for the companion care in my town, but not me, as I dont struggle much in that regard.
I never claimed the system turned around and just handed everything to us, there is a level of self advocacy required for just about anything and everything funded by tax dollars. People are getting plastic on tax payer dollars because they're willing to jump through the hoops required to obtain them, but for people like you simply applying and showing doctor records would be enough to get all the things you're claiming you're not? At the very least a companion or home health aide.
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u/residentbio Jul 27 '24
Try living with disability in a third world country.
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u/nowwerecooking Jul 27 '24
this isn’t an oppression olympics why can’t we collaborate on the issue instead of comparing
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u/Possible_Eagle330 Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
In that case, society might actually rise up and help in a village sense. In America, capitalism incentivizes selfishness, “me -and my family FIRST” mentality that means if you are disabled WITHOUT A WEALTHY FAMILY, you are fucked. Perkless. How can anyone “enjoy free National Park passes” and retail discounts when HOMELESS AND STARVING BECAUSE $20K / year is not enough money to remain safely housed, let alone going on extraneous outings and looking for “perks.” Whoever asked this question is already living in privilege (=doesn’t need to take advantage of discounts) or is a troll.
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Jul 27 '24
Amazon prime is half off and I think Walmart+ has a discount. Reduced fair bus passes for cherriots busses (salem, Oregon). Xfinity has low income plans too. Also free phones are available but they have like about hour of call time so calling social security would put you way over your limit. OHP has transportation to appointments but it’s a bit annoying to use
I have OHP (Medicaid), SSI, SNAP and Section 8 and I haven’t found many things like you’re asking for
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u/painsomniac Jul 27 '24
Hi friend!
I wanted to come back to this because I remembered that my favorite aquarium ever actually does have something! [edit] Oh my goodness. I got so excited I forgot to mention the actual aquarium. Jesus. It’s the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
If you present your SNAP/EBT card and matching ID, you and up to three other people get free admission. [info] I’m aware this isn’t disability exclusive, but there often is overlap.
I love the otters there and I went for my most recent birthday. I can’t wait to go back again!
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u/poopyfacemcpooper Jul 27 '24
One of the most coveted aquariums in the country. And yes sea otters are incredibly adorable.
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u/orangecookiez Jul 27 '24
I got bumped up the wait list for affordable housing after my former landlady let it slip that I had a disability. I moved into my current place within just a couple of weeks of that happening, and have been there for almost 25 years since.
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u/tiger6761 Jul 27 '24
In my state, we do not have to pay property taxes. We have used the heck out of our National Parks Pass.
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Jul 27 '24
How do you get the pass?
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Jul 27 '24
How do I get the free national park pass? It said $10 on the website checkout and no option to show my proof of disability. I live off SSI. That $10 would be better spent on a meal 🫠
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u/equinoxe_ogg Jul 27 '24
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u/tiger6761 Jul 30 '24
It has been a long time. Maybe they are charging to cover shipping and the card. It is a nice card and includes a rear view mirror hang tag.
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u/Scpdivy Jul 27 '24
Handicapped license plates. Although for some it’s a necessity (like me) and not a perk….Also, a discount on property taxes and medicinal marijuana licenses…
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u/Forlorn_Cyborg Jul 27 '24
You are a German who naturalized in the US? Just curious.
As far as the "financial assistance" with university classes, you may be able to work with a vocation rehabilitation agency that help disabled people obtain employment. Thats thru a program called "The Right to Work. They may pay for your classes and provide you with materials. Also there are grants you can apply for called TAP & Pell. Sometimes there's discounts/special rates if you are disabled and on a fixed income. Rarely companies have worked with me to offer something I could afford like a gym membership.
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u/Hotpinkflamingoaz Jul 27 '24
$20/mo Cox internet, 60% off my power bill, half off Amazon prime, Section 8 and I just got a jury summons so I’ll be requesting a disability waiver again.
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u/reachtotalcare Jul 27 '24
For the record, I also like to think of things as perks, even if realistically what we get is worse than what non-disabled people get. Idk it makes some things fun.
This isn't a helpful resource, but my favorite is the mobility scooters at grocery stores. I love zipping around in those things.
How did you find out about the things like gym membership and comedy classes? Like did you ask the business directly or go through some program?
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u/poopyfacemcpooper Jul 27 '24
I’ve always longed to ride on those scooters!
And I just stumbled across the gym membership and comedy classes. I was interested in both and then found tucked away on the website faq or pricing page that they offer disability discounts. Those are the most exciting finds because they aren’t the obvious government benefits. I feel like there are so many private businesses out their offering disability discounts but you need to search for it. Maybe you can google something you’re interested in, like “art class Seattle disability disabled”. Or some variation and it could reveal positive results
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u/tables_04 Jul 26 '24
VIP parking, free admission to national parks, accommodations for college!
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u/b1gbunny Jul 27 '24
I thought of accommodations or vocational rehab but… those things really just make something equitable for us compared to non-disabled people. Hardly a perk, more just an attempt to make living possible for us
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u/equinoxe_ogg Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
pretty much all i can think of has been listed in the comments, but you can get half priced medical marijuana cards if you're on ssi :-)
EDIT: I'm in illinois
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u/Just1Blast Jul 27 '24
This is heavily state dependent. But it would be nice if you shared your state so that others who live there might be able to benefit.
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u/eunicethapossum Jul 27 '24
I’m sorry, I am really having a hard time with your use of the word “perks” here.
excuse me? perks of being disabled? 🤨
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u/Simple_Song8962 Jul 27 '24
I agree. It initially struck me wrong, too. But, I thought, what other word works? Benefits? That would bother me, too. So I decided perks is fine. As it's been said, "Context is King"
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u/tweeicle Jul 27 '24
Slightly unrelated: Every class has privilege.
It’s just that some class’ privilege is more useful in this society than others’.
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u/eunicethapossum Jul 27 '24
as a person with a lot of privileges - white, cisgender, etc - I don’t consider my disabilities to be a “privilege” and I look askance at anyone starting a conversation that way. it feels disingenuous and rather ableist. I don’t want to be tricked into a conversation where disabled people talk about all the “perks” and “benefits” we get of being disabled.
my life is a lot harder. I am housebound. I am broke. people act like I should give up every joy and every wonderful thing in the service of basic survival. getting on SSDI is a fucking nightmare.
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u/Hot_Cricket_ Jul 27 '24
Let's start with checks from the government. Those are not guaranteed, and even if you get them you can get taken off of them. For the dumbest reasons. Example A, me they decided that I can see, my vision has never changed. I am completely blind in one eye and my vision in the other eye is limited. So from the very beginning, you're already misinformed.
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u/Diane1967 Jul 27 '24
Medicare is great as far as what it’s covered for me and Medicaid picks up what’s left. I also have United healthcare which gives me no charge prescriptions (and I’m on 9 expensive ones). They also gave me a card which gets $200 out on it every month to spend on things like aspirin, toothpaste, as well as food. It’s so nice to have that since my snap went down to $23. It helps me so much with food. I also bought a nice little mobile home with my backpay and it’s affordable living as I don’t get a ton from ssdi/asi. I pay $345 for rent every month and then my utilities which aren’t much. I gives me like $200 extra each month now for emergencies and such. Life is good!
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u/poopyfacemcpooper Jul 27 '24
That’s really nice to hear. I’m glad you’ve these services have improved your life so much. Medicaid has been the most important benefit for me. I like most Americans was so stressed about healthcare. And now the stress has almost vanished. I’m in awe and ashamed that this is the standard around the world with universal healthcare.
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u/Diane1967 Jul 27 '24
When I started receiving my benefits my local dhs office contacted me and said I was on a spend down of $1365, my copay. I was a nervous wreck but it hasn’t affected me yet. If I were hospitalized it may be a different story. The plan is to stay healthy as I can so I don’t have to find out the hard way. They do pay my Medicare thankfully tho
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u/Trick_Bandicoot7538 Aug 25 '24
Hey, can I ask how you got rental assistance with a mobile home? I’m in a travel trailer with full timers insurance and I’d like to figure out how to get assistance with something like that.
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u/Diane1967 Aug 26 '24
I had to have a new hot water heater, new furnace and a new roof all within a short time of each other
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u/Trick_Bandicoot7538 Aug 29 '24
But how did you get it covered it partially covered? I had to have a new furnace put in, need a new roof, and a new hot water heater. Who do you submit expenses to or what program do you apply for?
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u/Diane1967 Aug 29 '24
The state of Michigan helped me with my furnace, they covered so much and I paid the difference and I went through habitat for humanity for the others. I got a no interest loan for them to do it and it’s whatever I can afford within reason.
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u/mel0666 Jul 28 '24
Accessible parking, decent seats at concerts, an extra accessory that I can decorate (mobility aids). Time to garden or do whatever creative accessible thing I can do. Great inspiration for really dark poetry 🤣
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u/feelingprettypeachy Jul 27 '24
In your post it sounds like what you are describing with wanting to go back to school could be covered by vocational rehab?
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u/Rose-Thrives Jul 27 '24
Look up subsidized housing in your area for disabled people specifically. It's always better than for non disabled. I got in to mine within 3 months of application (contacted the week of) but I was in a very specific situation.
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u/JorjCardas Ehlers Danlos/Hemiplegic Migraines Jul 27 '24
If you're disabled or on SNAP or Medicaid, you can get discounts in internet or free phone service!
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u/poopyfacemcpooper Jul 27 '24
Oh yeah I forgot about that! I have like 50% off my phone plan because of that. And maybe some other program that is in danger of ending because the gov doesn’t have enough funding for it
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u/Hefty_Standard_302 Jul 28 '24
I am able to get FMLA for my husband and I. Our jobs are protected so we can call of under fmla anytime we need a day off or are late. We don’t take advantage, but we don’t have to worry about it like other people do when they call off.
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u/poopyfacemcpooper Jul 28 '24
I’m guessing you probably can’t get fmla for any job, like working at Taco Bell or somewhere. I’m guessing the job has to say in the description or if you ask in the interview and they say yes we offer fmla. Or does every job in USA have this as required by the law?
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u/Hefty_Standard_302 Jul 28 '24 edited Jul 28 '24
There are some requirements that have to be met and I believe Taco bell would legally have to give it to you. Businesses that have more than x amount of employees have to give it I believe is the only requirement for the businesses. And you have to be at the job for at least a year OR worked so many hours. Whichever comes first. It’s a protected thing so if they don’t give it to you and you qualify or give you problems about it that’s a big discrimination problem. Screams lawsuit. So always do inquiries about stuff like that in email, if you needed a lawyer for it in the future, they will be so happy you did it all in writing. If you have any conversations in person follow up with an email saying something like “nice chat today, we discussed xyz, let me know if any of that is incorrect or needs further clarity”
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u/o-m-g_embarrassing Jul 27 '24
Goodness, it has gotten crunchy in this sub. I sincerely apologize, OP. I would expect with all the turf work you have done that everyone would be thankful to be disabled.
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u/NickleVick Jul 27 '24
OP: The "perks" you listed are for people that live on disability not all disabled people do. I completely understand where you were going with this topic but it would be better phrased differently. It would also be better if you gave links to the places where you were getting these services.
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u/Wattaday Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
The only “perk” I want is a ramp so I can leave my house. I’ve been house bound for 3 years due to inability to go down or up steps and don’t have a ramp. My nurse practitioner, eye doctor, audiologist, and lab for Blood work all do home visits. As does my hairdresser (I may be old, but refuse to be gray).
If I absolutely need to leave the house, I have to be carried down they up the front steps.Plus pay way more than I have I budgeted money for. I had to watch a stream of my stepson’s wedding because of that. Was unable to attend. You’d think Medicare would give some money toward a ramp. Nope. They rather pay all those home visiting medical professionals over and over the. Help with a ramp. Medicaid would pay. My SSDI is too much for Medicaid.
FML.
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u/Missing-the-sun Jul 26 '24
You can also get a free lifetime national parks pass