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An extra long month. Extra help needed. Helping Humpday for Street Prophets. [1]

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Date: 2023-05-24  

For some people on assistance, it won’t matter. They will get SSI or SSDI on the same date, regardless. And if they were already receiving assistance and it converted to social security when they reached 62, they still get the deposit on the same date. It’s those of us who went directly from work to social security at the appropriate age who have irregular payment dates. It’s paid out according to birth dates. People born on the 1st to the 10th of the month get social security payments on the second Wednesday of the month. Those born on the 11th to the 20th are paid on the third Wednesday, and those born on the 21st to the 31st are paid on the fourth Wednesday. For the month of June, coming up, there will be a 5 week stretch between payments, not 4. So the money that came in for May has to stretch for an extra week. If you know someone in this position, and you know they’re living on the edge in the best of times, check on them.

For people relying on SNAP, it’s taking a major downturn as the COVID supplement has dropped away, as bluePNWcats wrote in a recent diary, Lean times ahead. For people who are also getting social security, the reduction in SNAP negates the COLA and then some. If they aren’t getting social security, then it’s a huge decrease, while prices are continuing to climb.

And then there’s the debt ceiling issue. If it isn’t resolved, or maybe if it’s resolved a bit late, all government payments may be delayed. This will affect other services, too, such as Meals on Wheels and Medicare/Medicaid home health care. If anyone in your life relies on these services, make sure they’re okay.

These community members need a little push to get over a hump. Maybe it’s an unexpected medical bill. Maybe there’s a life situation that has come up and requires resources beyond regular income. Maybe they just got behind and need help getting their footing again. For whatever reason they need help, Wednesdays are the day the Street Prophets diary focuses on those needs. Maybe you’ve skipped over this weekly diary, thinking the little you can give won’t make a difference. But you don’t have to meet a person’s entire need. If we all join together, the small amounts each person can contribute will add up to enough to make a difference in someone’s life. Even $2 or $5 or $10, when added to the mickle that others give, can be all that it takes.

When sending via PayPal, be sure to select “Send to family/friend” to avoid fees on either end. Be aware, both donor and recipient, that GFM not only charges fees to recipients and asks donors to contribute to their organization, but also money received through that platform is treated as taxable income. You will receive a form 1099. If you are requesting help through GFM, also be aware that there can be delays in accessing the money.

If helping financially isn’t the right choice for you at this time, you can still help. Tip and rec the diary so it stays visible. Share on social media: Twitter, Facebook, whatever platform you use, to bring the attention of others outside our daily readers. And offer words of encouragement to people who are struggling. It can be scary to be struggling, and it can feel lonely. This can happen to any of us. Today it isn’t me in need. If it isn’t you, either, please see what you can do to help.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/5/24/2171141/-An-extra-long-month-Extra-help-needed-Helping-Humpday-for-Street-Prophets

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