GOVERNMENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES   FOOD STAMP PROGRAM                                                                 954-967-1420 This program helps low-income people buy food they need for good health. You may be able to get food stamps  if you: work for low wags, are unemployed or work part time, receive welfare or other public assistance payments, are elderly or disabled and live on a small income, or are homeless.   MEDICAID                                                                                          1-800-772-1213 This is a program that provides medical coverage to low income individuals and families. This includes low income families with children, children only, pregnant women, emergency assistance for non-citizens, the elderly or disabled, and medically needy. Anyone can apply for Medicaid. Department of Children and Families will look at the individual situation and determine if he or she is eligible. Pregnant women may apply at county health departments. Medicaid for children may apply with KidCare. The disabled may apply through the Social Security Administration.   SOCIAL SECURITY                                                                              1-800-772-1213 The definition of “disability” used by the Social Security Administration means “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12  months.”   The best, surest way to file a Social Security disability claim is to go to the nearest  Social  Security office in person and wait (often for a few hours) to see someone to file the claim in person. In the alternative, a person may contact Social Security by telephone and arrange for a telephone interview to file a claim.   If you have a child under 18 and you are poor enough the child may be able to quality for SSI child’s disability benefits. If the child is over 18, she/he may be able to qualify for SSI disability benefits without regard to the income of the parents.   There are two ways to apply for a social security card for a child. apply for a number when you furnish information for your baby’s birth certificate; or apply for a number from social security later at one of the offices.   It’s easy to apply at birth. When you give information for your baby’s birth certificate, you’ll be asked if you want to apply for a Social Security number for your baby. If you say “yes”, you should provide both parents Social Security numbers.  The baby will be assigned a number and the Social Security card will be mailed directly.   If you wait to apply for your baby’s number at one of the offices, you will need to fill out an application (provide both parent’s Social Security numbers, show evidence of your child’s age, identify and citizenship, and show evidence of your identity.   WAGES                                                                                              954-967-1420 This program provides temporary financial help to eligible low-income families. The program is designed to end dependence by needy parents on government benefits by promoting training, job preparation, and work.