Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

MAINTAIN is an assistance program through Pfizer for individuals who are currently unemployed, uninsured and in need of medications. Eligible applicants will be able to receive free Pfizer medicines delivered directly to their door for a year or until they become insured again, whichever occurs first.

To eligible for the MAINTAIN program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Became unemployed on or after January 1, 2009


• Has been prescribed and taken a Pfizer medicine for at least 3 months prior to becoming unemployed and enrolling in the program


• Have no prescription coverage


• Can confirm that you are experiencing a financial hardship


• Live within the United States

If you believe that you are eligible for the program please act quickly!!! Applications for enrollment in MAINTAIN will only be accepted through December 31, 2010. To apply for Maintain, call 1-866-706-2400 to request an application or click here to download an application from their website. Once the application is completed, mail it to MAINTAIN along with proof of your unemployment.

Over 8,300 people are homeless in Cincinnati. Out of those 8,300, approximately 2,750 individuals find refuge at The Drop-Inn Center. It is Greater Cincinnati's largest homeless shelter that offers care and assistance to destitute men and women. Its goal is to reach out to those in need to achieve shelter and stability.

About ten years ago, a free medical clinic was opened at the center. According to the clinic, 40 percent of those who seek Drop-Inn's help are also in need of medical assistance. It offers primary care so that it can reduce the number of outgoing emergency calls. The clinic treats about 70 people per week.

The doors to Drop-Inn are open 24/7 and they are ready to assist those in need. They are located at 217 West 12th Street. You can reach someone there by calling 513-721-0643. If you or a loved one would like to learn more information about different medical conditions while searching for a clinic, visit our website.

Travelers Aid International has launched a new website that will assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining information and access resources to help them prepare and enjoy a better travel experience. The website is www.USTRavAbility.org and according to Travelers Aid, consists of five sections: Transportation Resources; Airports; Tourism Resources; Disability Organizations and State Resources. There is also a section for visitors to share their various travel experiences.

The objective of the website is to provide a substantive resource to travelers with disabilities that will help take the worry out of their journeys and provide a better travel experience. The website's goal is to also help promote travel by persons who are elderly as well as those with disabilities and to improve the understanding of the travel industry related to persons with disabilities and thus ensure greater ease of travel in the future.

Travelers Aid International is the national association for Travelers Aid agencies across the country. The mission of Travelers Aid is to advance and support a network of human service provider organizations committed to assisting individuals and families who are in transition or crisis and are disconnected from their support systems.

For more information about Travelers Aid call 202-546-1127 or click here to visit their website.

The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) wants to help you find a more affordable place to live. CMHA rental properties are located in neighborhoods throughout areas of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. CMHA is the 17th largest housing authority in the United States and consistently receives recognition as a high performing agency from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible individuals such as persons with disabilities or the elderly. CMHA offers Housing Vouchers which covers the gap between what a low-income family can afford and what the private rental market demands. The vouchers allow low income families more housing options throughout the area and pays for 30 percent of a household's income towards the rent. CMHA makes a housing assistance payment to the property owner or management company to cover the balance of the monthly rent.

CMHA operates 12 high-rise buildings, three large family communities, numerous small family communities and many single-family housing. Social workers are available to help any CMHA resident. They can refer residents to local social service agencies for various types of support if needed. Housekeeping classes and assistance are also available.

If you would like to apply to live at a CMHA facility, you can download its application and deliver it to its leasing center located at 1635 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.

Although Breast Cancer Awareness month is weeks away, many organizations throughout the world seek to establish and maintain consciousness of the disease on a continual basis. I recently found an organization in Cincinnati who's vision is to empower women through opportunities, knowledge, services and hope. It's called the Cris Collinsworth ProScan Fund. Part of its mission is to enhance the lives of all women by promoting breast cancer awareness and education.

The Fund offers several programs to women throughout the year such as Mammogram Match and Cruisin' for a Cure. Mammogram Match provides funded mammograms and breast imaging services for low income, uninsured women. This is the only program in the Greater Cincinnati area that provides zero cost screening mammograms to women 30 years of age or older.

Uninsured women with a family income at or below 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines are eligible. However, some women with income above the poverty level guidelines may still qualify when other circumstances indicate severe financial hardship.
To request an application for Mammogram Match, call the confidential hotline at
1-866-557-PINK (7465). Once approved and a free mammogram is performed, a woman may need further evaluation. The Fund will cover a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound and a breast biopsy.

Cruisin' for a Cure is a newer program that transports women to and from their annual mammograms. You may have seen one of the Fund's pink vans cruising through the TriState area. Since breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual mammogram. Early detection can be one of the best defenses against breast cancer. Call 513-241-CURE (2873) to schedule transportation to your next mammogram appointment and bring a friend!

Over 20,000 businesses statewide are offering Ohio senior citizens discounts which have provided approximately two billion dollars in savings since 1976. Individuals who are over the ago of 60 as well as those ages 18-59 that have a disability (as defined by the Social Security Administration) are eligible to receive a Golden Buckeye card.

To prove eligibility due to a disability, one of the following documents is required:

• Medicare (not Medicaid) card
• SSDI acceptance documentation
• A copy of a document certifying permanent and total disability issued by any state department, Ohio public employee retirement system (STRS, PERS, etc.), or any federal retirement system

Most participating merchants display the Golden Buckeye logo on their door, window or at checkout. If you don't see it at your place of choice, ask if the business offers a discount for older customers. The purpose of the card is to thank older Ohioans for their patronage. The participating businesses do not receive compensation from the state.

The Golden Buckeye card also includes Ohio's Best Rx prescription drug discount program. Savings on prescriptions average 30 to 40 percent on prescriptions at more than 2,300 participating pharmacies are available to qualified individuals.

Ohio residents who have a current state driver license or State ID cards automatically receive a Golden Buckeye card during the month of their 60th birthday. Those who have a disability and are under the age of 60 are able to apply for a card at most public libraries and senior centers.

4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs for those with disabilities. Severity of the disability or age does not matter to 4 Paws. Dogs are trained according to their recipient and are able to assist with those who are autistic, need mobility assistance, have hearing issues, need seizure assistance, emotional support or other issues. Since 1998, 4 Paws has placed over 500 dogs with those who have disabilities. The only eligibility requirement for this program is that the individual requesting a service dog has a disability that is defined by the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990.

4 Paws is known across America and throughout the world for their work with children. It uses a three-unit team (parent/caregiver, dog and child) with the adult being in charge of the dog in all public places. This organization is also known for its highly trained Autism Assistance Dogs, which is one of the very few that offer such service.

Although 4 Paws doesn't give aid dogs to individuals freely, each family that needs a dog is asked to help raise at least $13,000. Generally the fundraising takes three to nine months. It costs an average of $22,000 to train one dog so the minimum fundraising requirement isn't that high to get an assistance dog. Families engage in fundraising activities with the organization since volunteers for 4 Paws qualify for a "free" service dog.

More information about this organization can be found on its website as well as an application for the program.

4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs for those with disabilities. Severity of the disability or age does not matter to 4 Paws. Dogs are trained according to their recipient and are able to assist with those who are autistic, need mobility assistance, have hearing issues, need seizure assistance, emotional support or other issues. Since 1998, 4 Paws has placed over 500 dogs with those who have disabilities. The only eligibility requirement for this program is that the individual requesting a service dog has a disability that is defined by the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990.

4 Paws is known across America and throughout the world for their work with children. It uses a three-unit team (parent/caregiver, dog and child) with the adult being in charge of the dog in all public places. This organization is also known for its highly trained Autism Assistance Dogs, which is one of the very few that offer such service.

Although 4 Paws doesn't give aid dogs to individuals freely, each family that needs a dog is asked to help raise at least $13,000. Generally the fundraising takes three to nine months. It costs an average of $22,000 to train one dog so the minimum fundraising requirement isn't that high to get an assistance dog. Families engage in fundraising activities with the organization since volunteers for 4 Paws qualify for a "free" service dog.

More information about this organization can be found on its website as well as an application for the program.

I found a great program in southwestern Ohio that helps senior citizens each day. It's called the Council on Aging (COA) which is part of the national aging services network. It has been operating for over 40 years and specializes in providing services that help older adults remain independent at home, plan for needs in their future and promote health, security and well-being.

Taking a closer look at the different programs the council has, I learned that they offer assisted living, which is a long-term care option for low-income adults who prefer to live independently but who need care giving. COA offers access to affordable and reliable transportation for seniors. Financial assistance for low-income older persons with disabilities that allows them to live in a community based group home environment is also available.

Another great aspect of COA is that they provide more than 2 million meals to 10,000 homebound older adults in southwestern Ohio. The organization's website provides "Aging Topics A-Z" . Some highlights are:

• Clinics
• Food Stamps
• Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
• Homeless Shelters
• Home-care Services
• Medicaid
• Prescription Discount Cards
• Tax Credits
• Utility Payment Assistance

I came across a website that can be beneficial for those who may not be able to afford their prescriptions needed to aid a possible illness or disability. Hamilton County, OH is offering a discount prescription card in which citizens can receive an average of 20 percent in savings or 30 percent on generic medicines. There isn't an enrollment fee and you don't have to fill out any forms, however, there are income and medical condition restrictions.

Although the card is not an insurance card, it provides a way for people to receive prescriptions that aren't covered under their insurance. Therefore, insured and uninsured individuals are encouraged to apply.

9 out of 10 pharmacies nationwide accept the discount card. If you aren't able to make it to the pharmacy due to an illness or disability, you can ask to receive your prescriptions in the mail. Call 1-877-321-2652 to receive the FastStart℠ service. You can also print a mail service form from online and follow a few easy instructions.

Once you received approval for the card, you may pick it up at the county's Job and Services Department, branches of the Public Library of Cincinnati, YMCA branches, the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio and many social service agencies in the area. You can call 513-946-1010 for more information. As soon as you receive your card, it'll be ready to use!

Are you in need of food, shelter, clothing or other essential items?

If so, contact the Cincinnati Eastern Area YWCA and ask about the emergency assistance program. For over 35 years the Eastern Area YWCA has assisted clients in obtaining basic essential needs. The Emergency Assistance Program provides assistance with food, resources, referrals and information to Clermont County families. To apply and receive access to these services, clients are required to bring a picture ID. and complete any necessary paperwork.

The YWCA Food Pantry/Emergency Assistance Program operates on the following schedule:
Monday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Tuesday 9:00AM - 2:45PM

Wednesday - CLOSED

Thursday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

The Food Pantry is located at YWCA Eastern Area in Batavia, Ohio. For more information, call 513-732-0450

The state of Ohio has developed several government funded programs to help those who may be disabled, elderly or have a low income. Assistance is available for both gas and electric bills in the programs that I'm about to mention. These programs range from reducing heating bills and/or a set amount based on income which is to be paid each month. Usually eligibility for these programs is based on household income. Here's some quick information that can help you or a loved one warm up or cool down during the appropriate seasons.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
This program is designed to help eligible Ohioans with low income meet the high costs of home heating. It pays for one bill for most PUCO regulated utility customers. Individuals who wish to apply must be at or below 175 percent of the 2009-2010 federal poverty guidelines.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
PIPP allows eligible individuals to make affordable energy payments. There are several programs within PIPP, which include:
• Standard PIPP Program
• PIPP Balanced Payment Plan
• Three Percent PIPP
• Arrearage Crediting Program

To learn more about these programs you can visit the Ohio Utility Bill Assistance website.

Winter and Summer Crisis Programs
These programs are special components of HEAP that provides heating and/or cooling assistance once or twice a season. Those wanting to apply for the Winter Program must not have heat, are threatened with disconnection or have less than a ten day supply of bulk fuel. The summer crisis program is low-income elderly households and for Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions or disabilities. For more information about these programs, please contact your local community action agency.

Freestore Foodbank offers several programs to underprivileged Cincinnatians. The organization distributes over 10 million pounds of food a year. Not only is the Cincinnati area served but the program also in parts of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.

I found many programs that within Freestore Foodbank but here a couple that stood out:

• Kid's Café

Over 8,400 hot meals are served to impoverished children at the end of selected school days in anticipation that they may not have another meal until the next day at school due to lack of food at home.

• Power Pack

Power Pack is like an extended version of Kid's Café. This program sends nutritious,
non-perishable foods home with children on Friday afternoon's that will last them all weekend in the event that they don't have any food at home. Power Pack works with site coordinators at each school to determine which children have the most need and to ensure that they are sent home with the right food.

• SSI Jobs

This program provides clinical exams, job training and housing assistance for homeless individuals so that they can be better prepared to apply for Social Security Benefits. A Continuum of Care certificate is required for individuals to participate in this program.

• Food Room

This an emergency service provided by Freestore Foodbank that gives individuals food Monday through Friday 8 AM to 3 PM.

The main goal of Freestore Foodbank is to provide food and services, create stability and continue self-reliance for people in crisis.

As the economy struggles to gain stability, you may need help supplying your child with basic essentials for school. If you or someone you know has a disability, being able to provide for your child may be even harder. Operation School Bell is available to help.

Operation School Bell is provided by the Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati. The program provides clothing, school supplies, shoes and hygienic items to under-privileged children in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. The purpose of the program is to promote greater self-esteem, normal school attendance and an eagerness to learn.

Operation School Bell is financially supported by grants and individual donors. The Charles H. Dater Foundation has given this program over $280,000 since 2000. In 2008 approximately 1500 Cincinnati Public School students received clothing and supplies from the program.

For over the past decade school buses have picked up under-privileged students one or two days out of the year to benefit from the program. Contact someone at the Assistance League of Greater Cincinnati today for more information!

Here's another program to assist you while you while you wait on your Social Security benefits to process:

I heard of a really great program that helps save money on prescriptions.

FamilyWize, a program aimed at reducing the cost of medicine for children, families and individuals, have created a free prescription discount card. The program does not discriminate against anyone and can be used by everyone in your family. The card can be used as often as needed for any prescription. You can save up to 30% or more on up to 8 prescriptions. Simply present your card and prescription to a participating pharmacy to obtain the discounted price.

For more information you can contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or simply visit the FamilyWize website at www.familywize.com.

If you need assistance in applying for Social Security disability benefits, call the Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers at 1-800-THE-FIRM.