Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

The Easter Bunny is coming to Hattiesburg!

On April 3, beginging at 9 A.M. the 63rd Community Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Vernon Dahmer Park. There will be thousands of eggs to search for and each one will include a prize. Separate hunt areas will be provided for age groups ranging from 3 to 12 years of age along with a special hunt area for children with special needs.

The event is sponsored by the Hattiesburg Lions Club in conjunction with the Hattiesburg Parks and Recreation Department, and Southern Miss ACCESS Recreation. Parents with special needs children should contact Southern Miss ACCESS Recreation prior to the hunt at 601-266-6564. Additional hunt information is available by sending an e-mail message to contact@HattiesburgLions.

The Salvation Army in Memphis has an Emergency Assistance program for local residents. The Emergency Assistance program consists of 2 components:

Utility Assistance: assists people on the verge of homelessness by providing utility assistance for the last $100 of an overdue utility bill, as funds are available. Payments are made directly to MLGW after requests are verified by the Utility Coordinator.

Food Pantry: provides one week's worth of emergency food per family and operates at The Salvation Army's Ben Lear South Citadel location.

To learn more about the Salvations Army Emergency Assistance program, contact The Salvation Army at 901-543-8586.

BEN LEAR SOUTH CITADEL:
877 Blythe St.
Memphis, TN 38104
Lt. Jason and Bethany Burns
Phone: 901-543-5136
Fax: 901-543-8386

The Good Samaritan Free Clinic provides medical, dental and pharmaceutical care at NO cost to the eligible working uninsured and temporarily unemployed residents of Lee County, Mississippi.

The Clinic Hours are:
• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9-11 a.m. Friday to screen persons for clinic services.
• 5 p.m. Monday for children from birth to 18.
• 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for medical, dental, and pharmacy services.
• 5-7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, for childhood immunizations.

To be screened for services, patients need to bring:
• ID that you live in Lee County
• Social Security card and Social Security of family members
• A recent paycheck stub within the last two weeks
• If you are not working, bring written information from a job interview
• Last filed income tax return with W2's

For more information and to determine if you're eligible please call:
(662) 844-3733 or visit the website, www.tupelofreeclinic.org

Community leaders are sponsoring this one day event, Project Homeless Connect 2010, designed to provide housing, services, and hospitality to people experiencing homelessness ina convenient one-stop format. The ultimate is to connect those that are homeless with the resources they need to help them leave the streets for better lives.

When:

The City of Cleveland's Department of Aging is offering a short-term program directed to elderly individuals who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless or live in condemned properties.

Individuals must be over the age of 60 to be eligible for the Homeless Prevention Program; however, if the individual has a disability, he or she can be eligible at age 50. Cleveland's elderly or individuals with disabilities may also be eligible if their income meets certain guidelines defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Homeless Prevention Programwill initially assess an individuals' current situation to determine his or her level of need. After an individual is determined to be eligible for the program, he or she can receive limited financial assistance, case management to help coordinate needed services and help to achieve a sustainable living arrangement.

If you or a loved one has a disability and would like for one of our case specialist to help you, visit our website so that we can start helping you today!

Need help with tax preparation and don't want to pay those HIGH fees? You can now locate a certified volunteer tax preparer in the Los Angeles area, by visiting the United Way website. If you, or someone you know earn $50,000 or less per year, an income tax preparer will help you file your taxes, and you could receive your refund within 7 to 10 days. All you have to do is visit, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles web site and enter your zip code. The site will direct you to the nearest tax preparation service in your area. You can also dial 2-1-1 to see if you qualify and to find a free tax site near you!

Don't forget to bring to your free tax service site:

• A photo ID
• A Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation
• W-2s, 1099s, and all other tax-related documents
• A voided check or savings account statement with bank routing numbers
• If you're Married Filing Jointly, you'll need to bring your spouse to sign your tax documents

Do you need help with your energy bill? Are you elderly or disabled? If your answer is yes, then here is some important information that you need to read.

Mississippi Power Rate Assistance provides emergency assistance to elderly and disabled individuals who need help with their energy bills. Project SHARE is administered by the American Red Cross and funded by electric utility customers who donate through their monthly bills.

Who qualifies for this program?

1. Participant must be certified by the Mississippi Department of Human Services as a current recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
2. Electric service must be in the name of the person certified by the Mississippi Department of Human Services as receiving SSI or AFDC.
3. Prior to receiving service under this rider, the participant must have been a residential customer of the Company for the previous consecutive three (3) months.
4. The participant's electric service account with the Company must be current.
5. Only one (1) electric service account per certified SSI or AFDC recipient will be allowed under this rider.

To apply for assistance contact your local American Red Cross office at:

875 Riverside Dr
Jackson, MS
(601) 353-5442

If you would like more information on Mississippi Power Rate Assistance and the Project Share Program contact Mississippi Power at (800) 532-1502 or visit their website.

On April 4, 2010 Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless will host its annual Easter Sunday dinner at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia. Along with providing a full course meal, HFTH also provides services such as hot showers, barbers and beauticians, a children's corner, clothing distribution, inspirational speakers and Christian teaching and gospel singing.

Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless mission is to "rescue, restore, and re-stabilize at risk and homeless individuals and families so they can thrive and become self-efficient". To accomplish this mission they provide several housing programs, long distance telephone service, national free transportation, medical care, case management, employment services, children and youth programs and educational services.

For more information:

Hosea Feed The Homeless
1035 Donnelly Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone (404) 755-3353

At one time or another we find ourselves through hardship and think that there is nowhere to turn especially when it comes to feeding our families. TANF is a program that is offered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services that offers assistance to needy families with children under the age of 18. To print out an application you may go to http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/agencyapps.htm click on Applications then click on Application for Temporary Assistance.

You may also pick an App. at: Mississippi Department of Human Services
750 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Are you in need of groceries, clothes, a hot meal or job training? If so, call C.A.N.S!!!

Caring and Noble Services (C.A.N.S) provides thousands of emergency bags of groceries each month to residents in the Mid-South area. Along with the delivery of emergency groceries, C.A.N.S also has a food pantry which is open to families and individuals in need of an extra bag of groceries for the month. In order to receive groceries from C.A.N.S you must go during the hours that the food pantry is open, have a photo id, proof of government assistance and your social security card.

C.A.N.S can also assist in providing clothing and job training. If you or a loved one needs help, contact C.A.N.S today!

For more information:

Caring and Noble Services
1435 Wells Station Rd.
Memphis, TN
(901) 452-7993

Food Pantry Hours Are:
6:00pm- 8:00pm every Third (3rd) Tuesday of the month

C.A.N.S is a ministry of the Memphis International Church

Cardiovascular Associates, P.C. is offering free vein screening of the legs looking for blood clots, varicose veins, spider veins and non-healing venous stasis ulcers.

When:

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:20 am to 4:00 pm
Friday, March 19, 2010 8:20 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 8:20 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 8:20 am to 4:00 pm
Thursday, April 1, 2010 8:20 am to 4:00 pm

Where:

Cardiovascular Associates, P.C.
1901 Springhill Ave.
Mobile, AL 36607

For more information, call 251-300-2240.

Are you in need of a home phone but worried about the cost of a monthly phone bill? CenturyLink Telephone Company offers their customers two discounted services to help those on a limited income. You can save money on the Lifeline and Link-Up services. Both federal programs can financially help you get a home phone while saving about $6 to $10 monthly.

Lifeline + Link-Up Services include:

• Lifeline provides certain discounts on monthly service for qualified subscribers
• Link-Up helps customers pay the initial cost of obtaining phone service.

• To get the discounted benefit, you must participate in one of the following federal programs:
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Food Stamps
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Medicaid
• National School Lunch's Free Lunch Program
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

You may also qualify if you are a resident on American Indian tribal lands and receive support from:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance


• Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families


• Head Start or National School Lunch Program

The Enhanced Tribal Lifeline Assistance program allows participants to obtain basic monthly telephone service, at their primary residence for as little as one dollar a month. Rates depend on current rate plan.

To take advantage of these two programs, please contact CenturyLink at 1-800-201-4099 to inquire about eligibility.

Alright ladies, spring is around the corner and many are working hard to work it out just in time for skirts, sleeveless shirts and bathing suits. But it's also time to work on your inner body too! The Center for Black Women's Wellness in Atlanta, GA has been working hard year round to help local women take care of themselves inside and out.

The center offers many services and programs that women can take advantage of for healthier living. One of the main goals of this organization is to provide affordable, high quality medical care. You don't even have to have insurance to participate!

The Center for Black Women's Wellness offers a program called the Safety Net Clinic. It provides individuals with chronic illnesses free health care. More information about chronic illnesses such as diabetes can be found on the Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers' website. The center's Wellness Clinic allows women to receive low cost comprehensive health care such as mammograms, pap smears and HIV testing.

This caring organization also provides assistance to women who are pregnant or postpartum. A family support worker from the center visits with different households at least once a month. Tips and ideas are passed on to new moms during these visits. Workers also make sure the families have the resources they need to live healthier lives.

Another great program that the center offers is the Sister's Circle. It's a place where ladies can fellowship and support each other on a monthly basis. For more information you may visit The Center for Black Women's Wellness website.

The Ohio government is lending a helping hand to its elderly citizens as well as individuals with disabilities. Officials have established the Homestead Exemption plan which allows qualified individuals, regardless of income, to reduce their property tax by protecting a percentage of the market value of the home from taxation.

Citizens who are eligible must be totally or permanently disabled or be over the age of 65 by January 1 each year. Even if you are a widower of someone who was previously receiving help from the Homestead Exemption plan and were at least 59 years old at the time of your spouse's death, you can take advantage of this plan. You can find a list of disabilities on The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyer's website.

Individuals who own a home can pay bills for the previous tax year while those who own mobile homes will have to pay during the same year taxes are due. Homeowners will be allowed to exempt up to $25,000 from their mortgage. For example if the mortgage on a house is $125,000, under the Homestead Exemption plan the owner will only have to pay taxes as if the home were worth $100,000. It's been estimated that a number of households that will be eligible for this program is 750,000.

If you or a loved one would like to take advantage of this opportunity, you can visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website where you will be able to find an application. After filing out the forms, you can submit it to your county auditor. In the past the deadline to sign up for the Homestead Exemption plan has been in October so be sure to confirm the deadline to receive assistance.

The Food Stamp Restaurant Meal Program just released this month an updated list for participating restaurants. This California food stamp program is a great benefit for those who are homeless and unable to store or prepare their own food. Also it give support to those who are elderly and disabled, who may have a hard time preparing a meal for themselves.

If you are a low income family and/or an individual with disabilities and you are in need of affordable housing Atlanta Housing Authority can help.

Atlanta Housing Authority offers qualifying individuals the opportunity to receive reduced rent for housing needs. To apply for this service AHA must be taking applications at that time. Please contact your local housing authority to determine when they will be accepting applications. As of today, AHA is not currently accepting applications.

Nevertheless, visit AHA for a list of affordable housing. This list is very comprehensive including multiple counties and cities in Georgia. Just visit the site, pick your city, and search based on the criteria you select. Be sure to view the prime communities.

For additional information regarding HUD programs, contact AHA at 404-892-4700 or www.atlantahousing.org.

Are you searching for all the benefits of a nursing facility without having to actually reside in one and live the comfort of your own home?
There's a program I came across that offers assistance to those severely orthopedically and/or neurologically impaired individuals

The Independent Living Waiver Program provides case management services by certified registered nurses and rehabilitation counselors. They also provides a Personal Care Attendant, Transition assistance, Specialized Medical equipment and supplies and Environmental Accessibility Adaptations to the home. To enjoy this program, you must be 16 years of age or older and score 50 or above on the Medicaid Long Term Care Pre-Admission Screening.

For more information on qualification, please call:

Office of the Governor
Division of Medicaid-Bureau of Long Term Care
550 High Street
Walter Sillers Building, Suite 1000
Jackson, MS. 39201-1399

Tel: 1-800-421-2408
1-601-359-6141

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a National federal grant program to the states to help low income families meet the costs of heating and cooling their homes. This federal program can be accessed through your local programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Food Stamps (now called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Certain qualifications will apply.

Services through LIHEAP may include low-cost weatherization or other home energy-related repairs. To get complete details on the program or to locate an office near you, please call 1-866-674-6327. Please be prepared to give your city, county and state.

For all of you who have children and are in need of an after school program, YMCA is the place for you. The program is for children ages 5-12 and it starts from the time school is out until 6:00 p.m. (Unless otherwise). But wait YMCA is not only open to children but adults too! Adults can enjoy a variety of health programs along with their children while they work their way to a healthy lifestyle.

For more information on how to apply or to get a full listing of the programs offered please call or stop by:

3719 Veterans Memorial, Mississippi 39401
601-583-4000 fax 601-584-8349 (601)-583-4000

In need of a hot meal on Easter? How does a glazed ham, seasoned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, rolls with butter with honey sound? On Good Friday, April 2nd, the Los Angeles Rescue Mission will be serving 3500 dinners and giving away 900 Easter baskets to the local children.

Last year nearly 3,000 attendees showed up for the holiday meal and shoe giveaway. The Los Angeles Recue Mission is a Christian based organization that has been serving the Los Angeles community over 70 years. They provide emergency services such as clothing, shelter, food and other traditional services, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.

For more information, please contact:

Los Angeles Mission
303 East 5th Street
Los Angles, CA 90013
Tel: (213) 629-1227

I came across some information regarding assistance for those of you that are having a hard time when it comes to transportation. There is a program through the Los Angeles County transit that will help those who are disabled through the "disabled identification card" program. The card offers a reduced fare with a free balance protection plan, just in case you lose your card.

You can apply for your TAP ID Card at any Metro Customer Center. You can also mail in copies of the required documentation and a full-face photo to the TAP Service Center, PO Box 811310, Los Angeles, CA, 90081. You can also download the application at www.metro.net/images/sdm_app.pdf

LA CityRide

LA CityRide helps those who are disabled with providing a coupons book for three months. The coupons can be used for buying bus passes, taxi rides or other dial-a-ride services. For more information, please call Los Angeles City Ride at (213) 808-RIDE or (323) 808-RIDE or (818) 808-RIDE or (310) 808-RIDE. For ACCESS please dial (800) 827-0829 and for DIAL-A-RIDE (800) 439-0439.

Help for Drivers

For those of you who has a vehicle and cannot afford car insurance, there is HELP! Drivers who live in Los Angeles County can purchase special auto insurance through California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan for $350! That's right. As I calculate it, that's only $29.16 a month. You can beat that. Keep in mind, that there are some guidelines that must be met when applying. So call (800) 622-0954 to find the nearest agent to you!

I found a program offered by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUDD) that provides rental assistance for homeless persons with disabilities. The Shelter Plus Care program is designed to provide housing and supportive services on a long-term basis for homeless persons with disabilities and their families who are living in places that are not suitable for habitation or in emergency shelters. Residents involved in the Shelter Plus Care program pays 30% of their income for rent and the program provides the rest.

S+C offers a variety of housing options and a range of supportive services. Their rental assistance payment program is broken down into four components:

1. Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TRA)- Residents choose the housing they would like to live in and receive funding for a 5 year term;

2. Sponsor-based Rental Assistance (SRA)- Residents live in housing that is owned or leased by a sponsoring agency. Funding is provided for 5 years by a contract between the grant applicant and the sponsoring agency;

3. Project-based Rental Assistance with (PRAW) or without rehabilitation (PRA) - Residents in this program live in a facility rented from the grant recipient. Recipients contract with owners of properties for 5 to 10 years; and

4. Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Dwellings- Residents live in efficiency units and typically share kitchen and bathroom areas. Grants can be issued for up to 10 years.

If you would like more information about the Shelter Plus Care program for you or your loved ones contact your local HUDD office at:

200 Jefferson
Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38103
Ph: (901) 544-3367

Their office hours are from 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday.

The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) announced on their web site a tool to help parents through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). For those of you who are unaware of what an IEP is, let me explain. An IEP is for kids who have special needs when it comes to learning. This may include any types of delayed skills or other disabilities. The Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA 2004) states that public programs must provide free appropriate public education, for those students which will prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.

With the new parent tool of helping you out during an IEP meeting, Apple iTunes has created an IEP Checklist app. The app was design to support and inform parents during your child IEP meeting.

You can visit the iTunes store to download the app in either English or Spanish. I have also included a demo video of the new app.

Tired of being alone throughout the day or waiting on someone to pick you up to go to the supermarket, or maybe you even need to be dropped off at worship services. I can only imagine how irritating and awful it is to sit and wait on someone or waste money on bus or cab fare day after day. Well guess what-- I heard of this perfect opportunity that you may be eligible for.

If you are 60 year and older, CareShare provides this assistance. CareShare provides these services to enable Senior Citizens with or without disabilities the ability to retain comfortable living. CareShare offers this service through the use of volunteers; thus, it is free for you! Read the below information for further details and you will be one step closer to using your cab fare money for extra groceries money or treats for your grandkids.

Please visit this website to learn more about CareShare and other Senior Citizen Services in the Atlanta, North Fulton County area. For your benefit I have also included the direct link to the CareShare application. Just complete the application and mail it in. If you have any further questions please contact SCS at 404-351-3889.

I found a program offered in Cuyahoga County, OH that helps individuals over the age of 60 who are living on their own. Professional assistance has been offered by the Department of Senior and Adult Services.

The mission of this department is to provide quality community and in-home services to seniors, the disabled and other vulnerable adults based on individual need. This program can work especially well for Seniors who are trying to establish their social security disability benefits.

Participants of the program will be able to receive personal care and homemaking services, care from a social worker, registered nurse or therapist and nutritional counseling. Other incentives of this program are emergency respondents, home delivered meals and medical transportation.

Seniors must go through an assessment to determine their eligibility for this program. If you or a loved one would like to schedule an assessment or receive more information, please call 216-420-6800.