Latest news with #supportservices
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Concerns that potential cuts to Medicaid could cut independence
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Three million people across the Commonwealth rely on Medicaid services every day. 'That's about one quarter of our population,' said Francine Hogan, the director of Vision of Equality. In that quarter — thousands of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. 'These services are not optional,' she added. 'They are essential to the quality of life, personal freedom and family stability in our disability community.' People with intellectual and developmental disabilities joined Hogan at the State Capitol for a press conference Monday afternoon. They shared how Medicaid service has changed their lives. 'Without Medicaid, I knew something was missing in my life,' said Ernie Roundtree. 'That I needed extra support services to take the places. Now with Medicaid, I ended up going places I've never been to.' Nicolette Fenello shared, 'Because of these services, I was able to read and write by kindergarten, allowing me to be the first I.D.D individual in my school to be fully integrated into a regular classroom.' Jean Searle said, 'I bought a three-bedroom house of my own and I'm doing it all by myself with help and support.' All three of these self-advocates say cuts to Medicaid would 'cut' their independence. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Pennsylvania State Representatives and advocates are standing in support of Medicaid and these individuals. 'This is a challenge for us, not just the state, but beyond,' said Rep. Dan Miller of Allegheny County. 'The reality for it is that Medicaid is essential. Medicaid is life sustaining. Medicaid is imperative. Medicaid promises that are made and promises that must be kept.' The potential cuts to Medicaid funding would also impact healthcare workers — cutting thousands of jobs across the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Moses Lake launches resource info site
May 31—MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials are working on a new option for people looking for support services and help finding what they need. The "community resources page" is available on the city's web page, and city officials hope to print a brochure with the information eventually. Lizabeth Murillo Busby, the city's housing and grants manager, said the resource page is part of the response to the decision to close the Open Doors Sleep Center. The facility will close June 30, when the state grant that funded most of its operation expires. Moses Lake City Council members opted not to renew the grant. "The city, in the transition to close the sleep center, wanted to make sure we were highlighting and supporting the local agencies that are doing the work in the community. So, it's really a call to action for organizations in the community to input their information as they deem appropriate," Murillo Busby said. Murillo Busby said the resource page is designed for organizations that provide services in Moses Lake. People have access to statewide resource lists and are encouraged to use them, she said, but this is targeted specifically at the help that is available locally. "We want to make sure that we're targeting our audience in our community," she said. It includes a link and QR code to a page where organizations can enter contact information and some information about the services and resources they provide. All entries are reviewed before they are added to the list. The entries will be reviewed each March, Murillo Busby said. Because it's a work in progress, the information will change over time, and people are encouraged to check on it regularly. How best to use the information depends in part on the agency. Renew, the county's mental health agency, is listed in multiple categories, and Dayna Ruiz, Renew community relations manager, said it's best to call the listed phone number. "The first stop, really, is just calling our front desk," Ruiz said. Renew employees are trained to help people figure out who they need to talk to first. "Just call our offices and share what their need is," she said. People who are in a crisis might not even know what they need when they call, she said, but employees will help potential patients figure it out. "It shouldn't be hard," Ruiz said. "People just need help." There's also a county-based mental health crisis line, 800-852-2923, Ruiz said. It's available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. She said that number is not on the city's resource page yet, but it will be. For the Moses Lake Community Coalition, director Megan Watson said the listed email address is the best way to guide people to the right coalition services. The coalition offers information and guidance for parents, a drop-in program for young people, and bags where families can lock up medication, among other services. Coalition members are working on a website that should be ready by fall, Watson said, and when it is, the link will be added to the community resource page, if possible. Works in progress being what they are, updated information will be available over time, as well as additional information. The local Goodwill agency offers a lot of different services from its office next to the thrift store in Moses Lake. Goodwill has extensive resources, some of which people may not realize exist. Jamie McDowall, onsite manager for Goodwill in Moses Lake, said two employees are assigned to help people who are facing substance abuse and mental health challenges find housing, and two others who help qualifying clients find jobs. "We're pretty successful in helping people find housing and employment," she said. "We have a good crew here." Some of its housing and employment programs are focused on people who are dealing with chronic homelessness, which is defined as being homeless in 12 months — not 12 consecutive months, just 12 months — during the last three years, McDowall said. "We work pretty closely with people in addiction," she said. Goodwill also helps people with financial management; employees help people who qualify through its program to help pay bills and manage the money they have left once that's done. The page has a link and QR code for organizations that want to add their information to the listings. Submissions are reviewed after they're provided prior to being placed on the site.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Full list of Universal Credit freebies and discounts you can claim in June worth up to £10,221
FAMILIES on Universal Credit can now cash in on a bumper haul of freebies and discounts worth up to £10,221 this June. From food vouchers to help with bills and even cheap days out, there's a treasure trove of support on offer. 1 Here's the full list of what you could be claiming this month. Household Support Fund – worth £500 The Household Support Fund has been extended until March 2026 – and it's dishing out direct payments of up to £500. Local councils like Birmingham are offering £200 payments, while others are handing out food or fuel vouchers. Each council sets its own rules, so check your local authority's website to see what's on offer and how to apply. Find your council via or visit for Birmingham-specific help. Where is the HSF available? Plymouth - up to £740 Plymouth City Council said eligible residents can receive a maximum of £740 in vouchers. This includes £240 in supermarket vouchers for either Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Aldi, or Iceland, and £200 in energy vouchers. It also includes an essential item of household furniture or white goods or £300 of clothing vouchers. Blackpool - up to £300 Households with one or two people - including children - will see £200 paid directly to their energy provider. Those with three or more will get £300 paid towards their energy costs. Middlesbrough - up to £70 People in the area who claim benefits and do not have children can apply for a £50 voucher. Those living alone will get up to £37.50 and couples will get £50. If there are children in your household, you'll get a voucher for £70 per child. Leicestershire - up to £300 Households in Leicestershire can apply for £300 per household, which will be paid in the form of vouchers to support with gas, electricity and food. The payment can be delivered as a Post Office voucher, which can be redeemed for cash to help with gas, electricity or water, or an e-voucher to help with food costs that can be converted to a gift card for major supermarkets. Leeds - up to £100 Residents of Leeds who receive council tax support with dependent children can claim up to £100, while those without children could receive £25. Eligible households will have received letters featuring a barcode that can then be taken to the post office along with ID to claim the cash. Bracknell Forest - up to £315 Applicants could be eligible for a one-off £105 payment per child between now and September, if applicants meet the qualifying benefits. Cambridgeshire County - up to £220 Low-income households in Cambridgeshire can apply for a financial award of £110 per household. Residents can apply twice for support between now and September 30, meaning each household could receive as much as £220. The funds can be paid in a lump sum of £110 or as vouchers. Falkirk - up to £470 The amount residents can get under the HSF depends on the number of people in their household. A single adult will receive £110, with an additional £90 payment made for every further resident. For example, a couple with no dependent children would receive £200. Stockport - up to £315 Stockport Council is giving out vouchers worth £105 to families struggling to pay for essentials. The fund is paid per child, so if you have three children you would be entitled to £315 worth of supermarket vouchers. Food Vouchers – worth £150 Camden Council is dishing out £150 food vouchers in June to families with kids on free school meals. No application is needed - around 5,200 children will be sent the vouchers automatically. Healthy Start food help – worth £442 a year New parents or expectant mums can get up to £442 annually for essentials like fruit, veg and baby formula. The Healthy Start scheme gives you a prepaid card loaded with funds every four weeks. Apply online if you're on benefits like Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. Cheap days out – save £101 If you're on Universal Credit, you can unlock serious savings on days out across the UK: London Transport Museum: Entry for just £1 – usually £21 Yorkshire museums: Free entry, saving up to £17 per adult ZSL London Zoo: Entry for £3 – a £31.50 saving Tower of London & Hampton Court: £1 entry instead of £33.60 In total you could save up to £101 on these days out. Help to Save – get £1,200 bonus cash The government's Help to Save scheme gives you a 50% top-up when you put away cash. Save £50 a month and you could get up to £1,200 over four years. Open to those on Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit – even small savers will see rewards. Water bill help – worth £400 You could slash your water bill by hundreds through social tariffs or the WaterSure scheme. The support is aimed at low-income families or those who use lots of water due to disability or large households. Contact your supplier directly and ask what help is available. Some firms even offer free water-saving devices like shower timers and cistern bags to bring your usage down. Free prescriptions and healthcare – up to £119 If you're on Universal Credit, you might be eligible for free NHS prescriptions, saving you £9.90 a pop – that's nearly £120 a year. You could also get: Free dental checks Free eye tests Travel reimbursement for medical appointments Free wigs or glasses Use the NHS online checker to see what you can get. Discounted broadband and mobile contracts – worth £370 If you're on Universal Credit, social tariffs could save you a fortune. Some providers offer deals as low as £12.50 a month, slashing the average annual cost by £170. Mobile contracts are also covered – total savings could hit £370 across both. Check Ofcom's full list of providers, or use The Sun's free broadband checker. Council tax support – up to £2,280 Those struggling with council tax could get a major discount – or even have the bill wiped completely. Council Tax Support varies by area, but if you're on a low income or receiving Universal Credit, you could save up to £2,280 a year. Head to to check your eligibility. Energy bill help – up to £2,000 Energy firms like British Gas are offering hardship grants worth up to £2,000. Other suppliers are dishing out energy-saving gadgets and fuel vouchers. If you don't qualify through your supplier, charities like Turn2Us have searchable databases to help you find other grants. The Household Support Fund also covers energy costs – reach out to your council now. Pregnancy grant – worth £500 Mums expecting their first child could claim a one-off £500 Sure Start Maternity Grant. It's available to those on Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits. You must apply within 11 weeks of the due date or six months after the baby is born. Print off the SF100 form online and get it signed by a midwife before posting. Support with travel and job applications – worth £150 Claimants can get a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount card, cutting public transport costs by 50% across the UK. The card lasts for three months and is fre, you just need to be actively job hunting. There's also the Flexible Support Fund, which can cover costs like: Travel to interviews Job training (up to £150) Uniforms, work tools, and childcare Apply at your local JobCentre. Cheap gym memberships – worth £240 Some leisure centres offer Universal Credit claimants gym memberships from as little as £5 a month. That's a £20 saving every month or £240 a year. Everyone Active and Better Leisure both offer discounted rates. Access is often off-peak and varies by location, so check with your nearest centre. Free childcare – worth up to £1,769 a year Working parents on Universal Credit can now get up to 85% of childcare costs covered. The max payout is £1,031.88 a month for one child, or £1,768.94 for two or more – that's over £21,000 a year if claimed in full. You used to have to pay upfront, but now some parents get help before the bills are due. If you're unsure whether you qualify for any of these perks, it's worth checking or speaking to your local council. Don't miss out – the savings could seriously stack up.
ABC News
5 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
NSW coroner unable to determine cause of death of baby found in freezer
A coronial inquest has found there is not enough evidence to determine the cause of death of a three-month-old baby boy whose body was found in a freezer at a rural New South Wales property. The body of the child, identified only as KP, was found wrapped in a blanket on the top shelf of a freezer at a Corowa property in 2022 after police were called to do a welfare check. The coroner, Magistrate Kasey Pearce, identified several "missed opportunities" between the mother and support services leading up to the baby's death, but found they were unlikely to have changed the outcome. The findings follow a three-day inquest held in Albury in December. The inquest heard the baby's family had been advised of the hearing but were not in attendance. No charges have been laid over the death. The inquest heard the last evidence of KP being alive was seven days before his body was discovered and that investigators suspected he died sometime during a four-day period in 2022. Magistrate Pearce said despite evidence from witnesses and medical experts during the inquest, it was not possible to determine the cause, manner or location of KP's death. "Several possibilities as to the cause of KP's death were canvassed in the evidence," she said. "The possibility of drowning, of suffocation accidental or otherwise, and the possible effects of inadequate nutrition, but ultimately the unsatisfactory state of the evidence is that none of the possibilities that were identified by the doctors rise to a level of probability." Magistrate Pearce said at the time of his "premature death", KP seemed to be thriving. The inquest heard during a police interview, the mother said she had left KP with a man who she referred to as "Only" in the days before the baby was found dead. Magistrate Pearce said she found the account given by KP's mother "inherently implausible". The coroner said there were inconsistencies in the way the mother had described the events to the police. "I am unable to accept that the events described by the mother occurred. "Unfortunately, the result is that there is simply no evidence to what occurred in the days leading up to KP's death." The inquest was told the mother had been referred to the NSW-run Safe Start program for families at risk of adverse outcomes in the perinatal period. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) was also involved with the mother and baby after cannabis was detected in the baby's urine. Magistrate Pearce said the failure by DCJ to conduct a risk assessment of the case may have been a missed opportunity, but not one that was likely to have changed the outcome. She said in her opinion there were shortcomings in the DCJ practitioners' compliance with various policies and procedures, which in some respects could have been done better. But Magistrate Pearce noted her comments came with the benefit of hindsight. "I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who dealt with KP and his family." The coroner recommended that Albury Wodonga Health and Murrumbidgee Local Health District work together to formalise the administration and governance of the Safe Start program for the catchment area.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
New team helps cut Wolverhampton adult social care waiting times
The creation of a new adult social care team has helped to reduce waiting times for people seeking support in Wolverhampton, the council has of Wolverhampton Council recently established the front door team as part of its programme to transform adult social care in the acts as a first point of contact for vulnerable adults who need directing to what support is available, and the authority said it had helped to simplify the process for to the council, it has helped to cut the time it takes for people to get support from months to fewer than five days in most cases. The number of people needing help from social workers has also reduced by half due to the front door team being able to resolve their issues. 'Top priority' The authority's transformation programme, which includes providing more community-based services outside of care homes, came amid rising demand for adult social care in the city, with an increase of 31% over the last five budget for care packages has also increased by £44.6m in that time, with a further £1m approved for 2025 to Paula Brookfield, the council's cabinet member for adults, said adult social care was a "top priority" for people in Wolverhampton."We are determined to ensure adult social care services are the best they can possibly be, but we must also be mindful that the increase in costs which we have seen in recent years is not sustainable in the long term," she said. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
