With the S&P 500 dividend yield near record lows at 1.2%, finding strong income plays is getting tough. But Energy Transfer, Healthpeak Properties, and Verizon are offering yields between 6.8% and 8%. All three are supported by stable cash flows and strong balance sheets. Energy Transfer’s payout is backed by fee-based earnings and ongoing expansion, Healthpeak’s healthcare REIT model pays monthly and reinvests for growth, and Verizon’s high, stable dividend is backed by steady cash flow from wireless/internet customers and investments in network growth. For those seeking reliable dividend income, they're standing out in October.