Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Author: Michael Swayze

  • Creating a ‘my Social Security’ Account

    The Social Security Administration offers a personal online service that allows you to estimate, plan and manage your benefits. This article provides information on how to create an account, some plusses and minuses and a few links.

    There are a few requirements. You must have 1) a valid email address; 2) a social security number; 3) a U.S. mailing address; and 4) be at least eighteen years of age. If you do not have an email account you can easily obtain one through such free services as Google, Outlook or Yahoo.

    To start the process, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button labeled ‘Sign In or Create an Account.’ You will be required to provide personal information so as to verify your identity. You must choose a username and password to establish and access your new account.

    There are a number of features to ‘my Social Security’ that give you fast service when you need it. If you are applying for other benefits – for example, an application for heating assistance or SNAP (formerly food stamps) you can print out a benefit statement without having to wait for Social Security to mail it to you. You can even save the benefit statement and email it as an attachment! A downside to using the service is that it should be used by a single individual, not to be used by another person on your behalf, so Social Security officials indicate. You also can’t use another person’s email address, for security reasons.

    This online service has many advantages to individuals, to the Social Security Administration and even to other governmental agencies that administer safety net programs. To learn more, visit my Social Security: How To Create An Online Account
    and watch a video. A training video is also available for social service agencies. Representatives from Social Security are available at 800-772-1213, if there are problems setting up an account.

  • Resources For The Resistance

    Since November millions of Americans have become involved in the political process, some for the first time in their lives. A large number have been attending events on the local level on a regular basis, myself included. The purpose of this article is to provide a number of resources available online so you can become involved or learn more of the issues.

    Websites and email lists that have been brought to my attention are:

    • Building Channels for Change. This website has a tagline, “connecting people for causes in Philadelphia”. If you want to “more easily connect with progressive organizations” you should check their calendar first.
    • Nation Forward is a hub for local groups in Southeast Pennsylvania to post information. It has a number of web pages including: Issues, Action Alerts, Turning PA Blue, Indivisible and Resistance Reading.
    • Town Hall Project lets you know when and where members of Congress will be holding Town Hall meetings.
    • Resources for Resistance has been described as “an amazing document with links to a ton of resources.” No use trying to reinvent the wheel.
    • Rogan’s List: Today’s “To-do” List is a wonderful blog written daily by Susan Rogan, a retired university librarian. If your agenda is to make at least one call a day this is the source to consult everyday. Almost as inspiring as grandchildren.

    An example of the valuable information available from the sites and resources above: Four days after the presidential inauguration (sorry, I don’t like using his formal name) Rogan’s List publicized both the White House switchboard phone number, 202-456-1414, and the White House comment line, 202-456-1111. The comment line had been shutdown but due to pressure it is again operational, but only during the hours of 9am to 4pm (eastern time).

    For other Philadelphia area Resistance groups see my blog article of January 30th or use the shortlink: http://wp.me/pX1YJ-aV.

    Make your voice heard. Daily.

  • State Rental Assistance Enrollment Begins March 6

    Pre-applications for low income elderly, disabled and families will be available online starting Monday, March 6 under the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), according to a press release and public notice issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

    The application process will be conducted online only beginning Monday, March 6, 2017 at 10am and continuing to Friday, March 10 at 5pm.

    If selected, applicants must meet the income limits of the county where they are being subsidized and provide proof of residency. Income limits are county-specific, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) guidelines of 30% – 40% area median income.

    Applications will be open in three categories:

    • Elderly – the head of household must be 62 years of age or over
    • Family – the head of household is at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor; with or without children
    • Disabled – the head of household or spouse is permanently disabled

    The online pre-applications will be entered into a database and applicants will be selected through a lottery process, all to be placed on a waiting list. Submission does not guarantee placement on a SRAP waiting list. No paper applications are available. Applicants are required to furnish an email address. Individuals selected by the lottery will be notified via email which may take several weeks.

    The online application process begins Monday, March 6. Visit
    https://www.waitlistcheck.com/NJ559.

    More information is available from the Department of Community Affairs on the following web pages:
    Public Notice (English)
    Public Notice (Spanish)
    Application FAQ (English)
    Application FAQ (Spanish)
    SRAP Statewide Waiting List Open Enrollment Website