If you receive government benefits for a psychiatric disability, such as schizophrenia, you may also be eligible for special discounts on a variety of services and entertainment.

Depending on the laws of your state and city, you can use your Medicare card, and sometimes your Medicaid card, to get access to reduced-price services. For some discounts, you may need to fill out a special application and ask your physician to sign it. In all cases, you will need to find out exactly how you can prove your eligibility for the discount.

The following are some suggestions of ways you can save money if you are living on a limited income.

Transportation

Most mass transit systems throughout the United States offer people with disabilities transportation at a discounted rate. For example, in San Francisco people with physical and mental disabilities can apply for a card that enables them to ride on all municipal transportation at half price.

Movies

With a Medicare card, you can sometimes pay half price for tickets to first-run motion pictures. This type of discount usually applies only to movies at full price and not to already discounted movies, such as those that cost $2. Call your local theaters to find out exactly how you can purchase discount tickets.

Theaters

Some theater companies offer discounts for people who have disabilities. (You will need to call the box office of the theater to find out more information.) In addition, many clubhouses get group discounts for members with mental disorders.

Telephone services

Call your local telephone carrier and request an application for Lifeline Telephone Services. With this service, a telephone can be installed in your name for a significantly reduced charge – usually $10 or less. Under this program, your monthly service charge may be as little as $1 (not including taxes, surcharges, etc.). Lifeline Telephone Services are usually available to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid recipients. In some cases, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) recipients can submit a letter that shows evidence of financial need.

Bank services

Most states now require that banks offer low-fee monthly banking services to recipients of SSI and SSDI. This is because the Social Security Administration encourages people on SSI and SSDI to have their checks deposited electronically to save the government the cost of mailing and handling the checks. These are just some suggestions of the types of discounts available.