Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/ Published by The Cochran Firm en Copyright 2010 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:19:54 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Mississippi Child Care Assistance Mississippi's Office for Children and Youth offers child care assistance and may be able to assist you with child care services. Their mission is to provide eligible, low-income parents with child care assistance to assist them in maintaining and becoming employed. Like many assistance programs there are requirements that have to be met; the child must be under the age of 13 or under age 19 if they are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. There are also income eligibility guidelines that can be found on their website. The website also incldues a list of designated childcare programs. If you are interested or know of someone who needs assistance call (601) 359-4555 for more information.

Mississippi Department of Human Services
Office for Children & Youth
Tel: 601-359-4555
]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/09/mississippi-child-care-assista.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/09/mississippi-child-care-assista.html Children and Family Hattiesburg, Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi Meridian, Mississippi Tupelo, Mississippi Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:19:54 -0500 MAINTAIN - Medicine Assistance for Those who Are In Need
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.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/09/maintain-medicine-assistance-f.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/09/maintain-medicine-assistance-f.html Atlanta, Georgia Birmingham, Alabama Cincinnati, Ohio Cleveland, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Financial Assistance Hattiesburg, Mississippi Health Jackson, Mississippi Los Angeles, California Medicine Assistance Memphis, Tennessee Meridian, Mississippi Mobile, Alabama New Orleans, Louisiana Tupelo, Mississippi Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:08:56 -0500 Enhancing Tennessee's Workforce through Vocational Rehabilitation If you or a loved one has a physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult to find or keep a job, Tennessee'sVocational Rehabilitation program may be able to provide you with assistance. Vocational Rehabilitation is a program that is state and federally funded which provides services to individuals with disabilities to help them return or enter into employment. The program was designed to assist individuals with disabilities in competing successfully with others who are currently in the work force to earn a living.

To be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, individuals must meet specific guidelines related to a physical or mental disability that results in a substantial difficulty to obtain employment. Individuals will meet with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who determines eligibility with the help of medical examinations, psychological examinations, vocational evaluations, and other diagnostic information secured by the agency to determine the nature and extent of the disability. Applicants who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits based on disability or blindness are presumed to be eligible if they intend to go to work.

For more information about Vocational Rehabilitation Services please call (615) 313-4891 or click here to visit their website.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Citizens Plaza State Office Building
2nd Floor, 400 Deaderick Street
Nashville, TN 37243-1403
Tel: (615) 313-4891

For more information on receiving SSI or SSDI please contact The Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/09/enhancing-tennessees-workforce.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/09/enhancing-tennessees-workforce.html Disability Assistance Memphis, Tennessee Social Security Disability Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:06:34 -0500 Dropping In for Housing, Help and Hope 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.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/dropping-in-for-housing-help-a.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/dropping-in-for-housing-help-a.html Cincinnati, Ohio Health Homeless Assistance Housing Ohio Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:18:28 -0500 "A Helping Hand Along the Way" 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.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/a-helping-hand-along-the-way.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/a-helping-hand-along-the-way.html Atlanta, Georgia Birmingham, Alabama Children and Family Cincinnati, Ohio Cleveland, Ohio Columbus, Ohio Disability Assistance Hattiesburg, Mississippi Jackson, Mississippi Los Angeles, California Memphis, Tennessee Meridian, Mississippi Mobile, Alabama New Orleans, Louisiana Senior Citizens Tupelo, Mississippi Fri, 27 Aug 2010 09:13:02 -0500 JCCEO - Delivering More Than Promises The Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (JCCEO), in collaboration with partner agencies, functions as a provider of homelessness prevention assistance and assistance to rapidly re-house people who are or are at risk of becoming homeless. Assistance is provided through their Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program (HPRP) and includes rental assistance, credit repair, security deposit, utility payments (not phone or cable), moving and storage costs assistance and temporary housing. In addition to homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance, the JCCEO HPRP seeks to achieve long-term housing stabilization for program clients after the subsidy ends through intensive case management.

To be eligible for HPRP assistance, you must:


  • Be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless;

  • Live in Jefferson County; and

  • Meet the low-income requirement for your family size

For more information on the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, call 205-933-8293.

In addition to the HPRP program JCCEO offers a housing counseling program, energy assistance program, home weatherization and child development services. To learn more about these programs and services please call 205-327-7500.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/jcceo-delivering-more-than-pro.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/jcceo-delivering-more-than-pro.html Birmingham, Alabama Children and Family Financial Assistance Homeless Assistance Housing Utility Bill Assistance Weatherization Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:57:45 -0500 Find Affordable Housing in Cincinnati 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.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/find-affordable-housing-in-cin.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/find-affordable-housing-in-cin.html Cincinnati, Ohio Disability Assistance Financial Assistance Housing Ohio Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:06:52 -0500 APS - Protecting Tennessee's Vulnerable Adults Due to physical or mental limitations, many adults are unable to protect themselves from abuse by family and friends. There are many forms of abuse. In addition to the commonly known physical, emotional and sexual abuse, many limited adults are abused financially and often times neglected. Below are descriptions of various types of abuse:

Forms of Abuse:

Neglect occurs when the basic needs of a dependent adult are not met by a caregiver. Neglect may be unintentional, resulting from the caregiver's lack of ability to provide or arrange for the care or services the adult requires. Neglect also may be due to the intentional failure of the caregiver to meet the adult's needs.

Self-Neglect occurs when a dependent adult is unable to care for him/herself or to obtain needed care. The impairments result in significant danger to the adult and in some situations deterioration can occur to the point that the adult's life may be at risk.

Abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) generally involves more extreme forms of harm to the adult, including the infliction of pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or other cruel treatment.

Financial Exploitation occurs when a caregiver improperly uses funds intended for the care or use of the adult. These are funds paid to the adult or to the caregiver by a governmental agency.

If you know an adult who is being abused and are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations please contact the Tennessee's Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Adult Protective Services (APS). APS investigates reports and assesses the need for protective services of exploitation of adults who are unable to protect themselves due to physical or mental limitations. APS assists in securing shelter, transportation and counseling of those who are abused.

To report any form of abuse to adults with limitations please call the "Abuse and Neglect Hotline" at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-88-277-8366).

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/aps-protecting-tennessees-vuln.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/aps-protecting-tennessees-vuln.html Disability Assistance Health Memphis, Tennessee Mental Illness Senior Citizens Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:50:30 -0500 Free Medical/Dental Clinics I came across the website: www.freemedicalcamps.com while searching for dental clinics. This website provides a variety of free clinics within the United States. Below is a list of a few clinics within your area. Contact the clinic nearest you for more information.

Hattiesburg Community Dental Center
66 Old Airport Rd.
Hattiesburg, MS 39403
Tel: 601-583-4800
They provide: Dental Care Services, Obstetrical and Gynecological Care, and Primary Medical Care

Coastal Family Health Center, Inc
1046 Division St.
Biloxi, MS 39533
Tel: 228-374-2494
They provide: Dental Care Services, Enabling Services, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services, Other Professional Services, and Primary Medical Care

Central Mississippi Civic Improvement Association, Inc
3502 West Northside Dr.
Jackson, MS 39213
Tel: 601-364-5142
Dental Care Services, Enabling Services, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services, Obstetrical and Gynecological Care, Other Professional Services, Primary Medical Care, Specialty Medical Care


Click here to visit the website to find more clinics in your area.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/free-medicaldental-clinics.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/free-medicaldental-clinics.html Children and Family Dental Hattiesburg, Mississippi Health Jackson, Mississippi Meridian, Mississippi Tupelo, Mississippi Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:57:05 -0500 Midtown Assistance Center - Providing Assistance to Those in Need Here's a great program for those who reside in the Atlanta area and are in need of assistance:

The Midtown Assistance Center (MAC) provides families and individuals with rent and utility assistance, groceries, work clothes, transportation to employment and interviews as well as counseling and referrals to other services. These services are available by appointment only. Prior to setting an appointment individuals must undergo a pre-screening process which helps MAC to determine eligibility and the adequate services each family needs. In order to receive assistance individuals maybe instructed to bring certain forms of documentation, these forms include but are not limited to:

  • Identification
  • Proof of Lease
  • Eviction notice (if applicable)
  • Pay Stubs (if applicable)
  • Proof of amount owed

MAC services are only available to residents who reside within the following zip codes: 30303; 30308; 30309; 30313; 30312; 30314; however special funding sometimes allows services to be provided for residents who reside in Fulton and DeKalb Counties.

To make an appointment contact MAC at 404-681-5777 during client hours (M, Th,F: 9:30-12:30; Tue & Wed: 1:00-4:00; Wed Evening 5:00-7:00)

To receive more information on the services that are provided by MAC, call 404-681-0470 during the hours of 9am-5pm on Monday-Friday.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/midtown-assistance-center-prov.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/midtown-assistance-center-prov.html Atlanta, Georgia Children and Family Clothing Financial Assistance Food Assistance Transportation Thu, 19 Aug 2010 08:34:30 -0500 Louisiana's Assistive Device Loan Program Are you in need of assistive technology equipment but not sure where to find it? Well look no further! I found a great program that offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to borrow a variety of assistive technology equipment.

The Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (LATAN) now has a Device Loan Program for individuals with disabilities. Through the Device Loan Program individuals may borrow devices from LATAN for a period of thirty-five (35) days. Dependent upon the type and value of the device borrowed a fee may be charged in order to borrow the item. There is also a possibility of being placed on a waiting list to borrow a needed device; however individuals are encouraged to contact the program representatives to ensure the availability of devices needed. Devices that are available through the loan program include:

  • Communication Devices
  • Laptops with various types of software and vision aids
  • Rollator Walkers
  • Wheelchairs
  • Computer adaptations
  • Eye gaze systems
  • Environmental control units
  • Portable Ramps

LATAN serves Louisiana citizens of all ages with all types of disabilities and with limitations due to aging who need assistive technology and daily living aids. For more information about LATAN and the Device Loan Program call 800-270-6185.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/louisianas-assistive-device-lo.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/louisianas-assistive-device-lo.html Disability Assistance New Orleans, Louisiana Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:06:46 -0500 San Bernardino Child Health and Disability Prevention Program The County of San Bernardino offers free comprehensive health assessments through the Department of Public Health's Child Health and Disability Prevention program (CHDP). The comprehensive health assessments are for children, between the ages of birth and 18, who do not have health insurance and meet the income guidelines. CHDP contracts with medical providers located throughout San Bernardino County. The assessments include the following services:

  • Growth and Development Check
  • Immunizations
  • Dental Screening
  • Vision Screening
  • Hearing Screening
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Health Education
  • Tobacco Education
  • Testing for Anemia, Blood Lead, TB and others as needed
  • WIC Referral for Children up to age 5
  • Case Management, when necessary

For more information about CHDP or to find out if your child is eligible for the program call (909) 387-6280 or (909) 387-6359 TDD.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/san-bernardino-child-health-an.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/san-bernardino-child-health-an.html Children and Family Disability Assistance Health Los Angeles, California Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:55:14 -0500 Cincinnati Reaches Out to Those in Need of a Mammogram 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!

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/cincinnati-reaches-out-to-thos.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/cincinnati-reaches-out-to-thos.html Cincinnati, Ohio Health Ohio Transportation Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:16:40 -0500 Mississippi Shelters - Providing a Warm Place to Stay I found a list of shelters that might be of comfort to you or someone you may know who is in need of a warm place to stay. These shelters will provide you and your family with food and a place to sleep. For more information please call the shelter nearest you.

Homeless Shelters:

City of Biloxi
Back Bay Mission
Tel: (228) 432-0301
Offers: Supportive Housing

City of Meridian
Multi-County Community Service Agency, Inc
Transitional Housing
2900 St. Paul Street
Meridian, MS 39301
Tel: (601) 483-4838
Offers: Transitional Housing

City of Cleveland
Bolivar County Community Action Agency, Inc.
Cleveland, MS 38732
Tel: (662) 846-1491
Offers: Transitional Shelter

City of Columbus
Mississippi Regional Housing Authority IV
Tel: (662) 327-0136
Offers: Tenant-based rental assistance for disabled individuals

City Of Hattiesburg
Institute for Disability Studies
USM Campus
Tel: (601) 266-5163
Offers: Supportive services for homeless persons with disabilities

Forrest General Hospital
(Pine Grove Center)
2255 Broadway Drive
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Tel: (601) 288-4720
Offers: Housing and supportive services for the disabled

City of Jackson
Gateway Rescue Mission
328 S. Gallatin Street
Jackson, MS 39207-9987
Tel: (601)353-5864

Hinds County Human Resource Agency
258 Maddox Rd
Jackson, MS 39225-2657
Tel: (601) 923-3925
Offers: Case management, housing support services

Stewpot Community Services
1100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39203
(601) 353-2759
Offers: Food programs, elderly and children's programs and shelters


]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/mississippi-shelters-providing.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/mississippi-shelters-providing.html Children and Family Disability Assistance Hattiesburg, Mississippi Homeless Assistance Housing Jackson, Mississippi Meridian, Mississippi Tupelo, Mississippi Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:48:02 -0500 My Friend's House I found a great organization for homeless individuals within the downtown Los Angeles area near Skid Row.

Wednesday's between the hours of 12 PM and 2 PM, My Friend's House Foundation serves food to homeless individuals. Along with providing food, they also have clothing as well. My Friend's House Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission is to provide individuals with basic needs that include food, clothing, toiletries and spiritual motivation regardless of race, color, creed, or religious belief. The food and clothing will be distributed on San Pedro Street between 5th and 6th Street.

For more information and to learn more about My Friend's House call them at (323) 769-5433.

]]> http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/my-friends-house.html http://www.socialsecuritydisabilityattorneyblog.com/2010/08/my-friends-house.html Children and Family Clothing Food Assistance Homeless Assistance Los Angeles, California Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:07:26 -0500