Tuesday, November 5th, is Election Day!
Go to mnvotes.gov for all your voting information.
Need help voting?
There are many ways to get help when you vote. You can bring someone to help, ask an election judge, use a machine to help you mark your ballot or even vote from your car.
Print a Fact Sheet on this topic:
Need a ride to the polls?
Lime is offering free rides to vote early starting on Vote Early Day (10/29) and running through Election Day (11/5). Lime scooters and e-bikes will be available for free using the following code: VOTE2024
Uber is offering discounted rides: https://www.uber.com/newsroom/vote-2024/
Lyft is offering:
Discounted rides to the polls on Election Day across the country.
Donated free or heavily discounted ride codes to nonprofit partners whose communities traditionally face barriers getting to the polls.
NEWTRAX CIRCULATOR BUSES EXPAND ROUTES
Newtrax now has several weekly bus route loops in the northeast area of the Twin Cities. The circulator loops are regularly scheduled transportation that cover specifically chosen stops within a community to assist loop riders with their regular needs and entertainment such as shopping, dining, and socializing. The loops pick-up and drop off at local senior communities and facilities for various shopping, dining destinations and more. For more info: (651) 789-6221 or https://www.newtrax.org/community-bus-loops
CELEBRATE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH
National Institute on Aging is offering
The Caregiver’s Handbook
Explore this guide to getting started with caregiving, finding support, and taking care of yourself.
Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7
Medicare can be complicated and it’s important that you get the coverage that's right for you. The annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period is an opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries to review and make changes to their Medicare plan for 2023. Get started by visiting medicare.gov to preview plans. Call the Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433, M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm, for free, unbiased assistance in finding the right plan for you. Or visit Trellis website to schedule a phone or in-person appointment or register for an information session.
A CHANGE TO SOCIAL SECURITY’S SSI INCOME REPORTING
A change to Social Security applications went into effect at the end of September.
About 70 million people receive Social Security payments every year, with some qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they're disabled or senior Americans who meet certain eligibility requirements.
One of the eligibility requirements stipulates that Americans cannot earn more than $1,971 in income per month to qualify for the payments. However, that rule is changing slightly. Starting September 30, 2024 food benefits are no longer considered in the eligibility income for SSI.
That means programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will no longer be able to bar an individual from getting Social Security payments.
SOME VETERAN RESOURCES
VETERANS - Get Your Free Vaccine at VA or Retail Pharmacies
Respiratory illness season is approaching. Vaccines can help protect from flu, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), COVID-19, and pneumococcal pneumonia. These vaccines are available free of charge to Veterans receiving care at VA. To locate a VA medical facility, in-network urgent care or retail pharmacy near you, use the VA locator.
If you don’t receive VA health care and are interested in applying, you can learn more about eligibility and benefits.
Two new resources for veterans from AARP:
Free help to navigate VA home modification benefits
Most (60%) Veterans 45 and older are unaware that VA provides grant funding for home modifications, and almost a quarter of Veterans say they need financial assistance to modify their homes to continue living there. To help Veterans and their caregivers, AARP created the free Veterans Home Benefits Guide to assist them in navigating the numerous programs offered by VA. The guide aims to help Veterans:
Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply for VA’s home modification grants and related programs.
Determine which home modifications are applicable to current and future care needs.
Identify how to get help from certified Veterans’ representatives who have experience and knowledge of VA’s process for awarding benefits.
To learn more about grant eligibility and how to apply for VA’s Specially Adapted Housing and home modification grant programs, visit AARP.org/VetsHomeBenefits.
