How does my Samaritan Membership work?
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Your eligibility is based on your health insurance.
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To keep your membership open, you must stay in touch with your case manager.
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You can expect $40 a month in bonuses as you work on goals with your case manager.
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Supporters will share kind messages, and may also make donations to your needs.
As a Member, you set goals with your case manager and get financial rewards for completing them! For example:
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$10 for attending your doctors appointment.
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$15 for going to the DMV for your ID.
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$10 for completing a housing application.
How do I earn my funds?
Stay in touch with the person who signed you up as a Samaritan member! Together, you'll create a list of next steps to work on. Each step will come with a financial bonus, like $10 for attending an appointment or $10 for gathering documents needed for a housing application. You will either receive a debit card directly from your case manager when you sign up or work with them to spend your money on the things you need most.
Let your case manager know once you complete a step! You can either do this when you check-in with them next or via text or phone. Your case manager can mark your step complete, and funds will be added to your Samaritan account balance, or directly onto your debit card.
You may also receive donations from our community of supporters and Samaritan from time to time. This is because we believe in you and want you to be able to take care of yourself.
How do I access and use my funds?
Once you complete a goal, let your case manager know. They can make the funds available to you in two ways:
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Debit Card: Your funds can be loaded onto a debit card for in-person or online purchases. The billing address for online purchases is under FAQ's if you scroll down -- “Debit Card Related Questions”.
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Direct Purchases: If you have specific purchases or bills in mind, like a phone bill or an application fee, Samaritan can help you make those payments directly.
How do I keep up with my Membership?
You do not need to download an app! Just save your region’s Samaritan phone number to your phone (down below). Then you can:
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Text the word “balance” to check how much money you have.
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Ask questions related to your membership and get help.
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Get kind messages from your supporters.
Online Access (OPTIONAL):
Online access is not required. Text the phrase ‘member portal login’ to the Samaritan phone number, click the link, set your PIN, and you’re done! You can view your balance, respond to messages, and see your action steps online.
Anything else I should know?
Your membership is meant to support you, so be sure to stay in touch with your case manager. They’re here to help you, and you’ll need to check in at least every three months to keep your membership active.
Remember, your benefits are for you; selling or giving them away could lead to early graduation from the program. Also, please remember to be respectful to your case manager, the Samaritan team, and your supporters!
FAQS:
Membership Related Questions:
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How long does my membership last?
Your membership lasts 12 months. When it ends, you have 30 days to use any money left on your debit card. Make sure to spend it before then, or ask your case manager for help using it. -
What should I do if I can’t reach my case manager?
Let the Samaritan team know, and we’ll help connect you with your care provider. -
Who sends me messages, and can I reply?
You’ll receive messages from both the Samaritan team and your supporters. Feel free to reply! Just remember, this is a Samaritan Support number, not your case manager’s direct number. -
What is the Samaritan Questionnaire survey?
Our survey is a short set of questions that helps us see how you are doing every few months. It helps us take better care of our members. You can also earn $5 for filling it out each time! -
What happens if I don’t interact with Samaritan for 3 months?
Your membership will end and your debit card will be closed. Please stay in touch with your case manager so this does not happen!
Debit Card Related Questions:
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I lost my debit card—what should I do?
Contact the Samaritan team right away using the phone number for your area. We will lock your card so no one can use it. Then meet with your case manager to get a new card. Your money will be moved to the new card. -
How do I earn more money/funds?
Besides finishing your goals, you can get donations from your supporters and earn money by filling out surveys that the Samaritan team sends you. -
What billing address/ZIP code should I use?
If asked for a billing address, use: 65 W 95th St, New York, NY 10025. -
Why did my debit card get declined?
There are three main reasons: 1) You do not have enough money for the purchase. 2) There was a card reading problem at the store. 3) You tried to use it for something that is not allowed, like a liquor store or smoke shop. Your card will not work for cash; including ATMs, cash back, or CashApp. Trying to get cash may cause your card to be flagged and closed. -
I think someone else has been using my card – what should I do?
Contact the Samaritan team right away using the phone number for your area and we will lock your card. Then, you will submit a fraud claim directly with the card issuer – GiveCard. You can call or email them. Their phone number is 908-529-0955 and email is support@givecard.io. -
What is my balance?
You have two balances. Your account balance is the money you have earned from completing steps and from donations. Your debit card balance is the money that has been moved from your account to your card. You can check both at any time by texting “balance” to the Samaritan number.
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Can I move money from my account to my debit card?
Only your case manager can move money from your Samaritan account onto your debit card. Money you earn from goals and donations will go into your account first.
Have a question that wasn't answered here? Reach out to us using your region's phone number or email support@samaritan.city!