Comcast provides the only internet available in my area at $78 per month. While looking for a cheaper internet solution, I recently learned that Comcast offers internet at $10 per month if your child qualifies for free lunch at school.
http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/comcast-broadband-opportunity-program/http://fairfaxcity.patch.com/groups/schools/p/comcast-offers-low-cost-internet-for-families-with-st20c8131c9eSo then I looked to see how to qualify for free school lunch in my area you need to make less than 130% of the federal poverty level. Here's the chart for 130% for family sizes:
Family/Annual Income
1 / $14,937
2 / $20,163
3 / $25,389
4 / $30,615
5 / $35,841
6 / $41,067
7 / $46,293
8 / $51,519
I don't qualify now, but if I were to retire today and draw only $35,841 then I would qualify.
Then, on the school lunch page, there are links to other great government "benefits"
I would also qualify for:
<li>$6000 annually from the federal government for the per child tax credit.
<li>$2000 annually from my state for heating fuel assistance.
<li>$4,600 from my state in food assistance.
<li>Plus save $600 in internet bills
And, because my income is all capital gains I would pay zero federal taxes:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/taxes/no-capital-gains-due-for-some-investors-1.aspxSo for drawing only $35,841 I would get an additional $15,200. Total take home would be $51,041
I looked pretty thoroughly and none of those programs look at your assets, only your income.
Amazing. Maybe I can retire today after all.