PEBT app for virtual/homeschool kids, 10/1 COLA, trainings, MSP

A few updates to start September after Labor Day weekend. Our next Coalition meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 26 from 10-11:30. Zoom link here. 

In the meantime - if you are following the news, there are concerns circulating about the potential of a government shutdown. Here is a sign on letter from the Coalition on Human Needs calling on Congress to avoid a shutdown. We encourage you to sign on by tomorrow at NOON. MLRI is tracking this closely. 

Families with kids in homeschools/virtual learning between Sept. 2022 & May 2023: Apply for P-EBT by September 30!

Families (under certain income limits) who homeschooled their kids or who enrolled their children in virtual learning in School Year 2022-2023 as a response to COVID concerns can apply for Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) food benefits - up to $1,241 for the year. For example, if a parent or child was immunocompromised so a child was homeschooled due to concerns about COVID. 

Families must apply for this benefit (note this is the only group who needs to apply to get P-EBT). The application is open only until September 30, 2023.

Here is a flier to share with your networks. 

Please let Vicky know if you have any questions - and thanks for helping spread the word!

October 1st SNAP COLA

Maximum SNAP benefits will increase by starting October 1st and some of the SNAP deductions will also increase. MLRI is updating its SNAP calculators, but if you want to get a sneak peak of the increases, check out FNS’ 8/3/23 Cost Of Living Adjustment memo available here. 

Upcoming Basic Rights Trainings

MLRI/MCLE Basic Benefits Training: Assisting Families Experiencing Homelessness: October 3, 2023 9:30-3:00pm

Trainers provide an overview of the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and services program, including current restrictions on access to EA shelter. The training also includes advocacy tips regarding the range of issues facing families at risk or experiencing homelessness as they seek access to EA shelter and the HomeBASE program. The training includes an overview of the system, the application process, denials, terminations, shelter placements, and program requirements. Register here. 

MA Utility Consumer Rights Course: October 5, 2023 2:00 - 3:30pm

Join NCLC for a training geared towards advocates and front-line social service workers who assist low-income Massachusetts consumers. In this course, they cover: the eligibility rules for utility discounts; how to prevent service from being shut off; how to restore service if it has been terminated; and how to manage past due balances. Registration required. Register here. 

Mass Senior Action flier: Medicare Savings Program

The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is an important benefit for people getting Social Security. MSP is a benefit that covers the cost of the Medicare Part B premium - which can save older adults more than $1,900 a year! Below is a flier with more information from Mass Senior Action. And, here is a link to the application.