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.

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.

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.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reaching out to families who have been economically impacted by the recent BP oil spill. DCFS are encouraging residents to apply for the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Families can use regular SNAP benefits to purchase foods such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry as well as dairy products. Eligible families can also purchase seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat. In some areas, families can even use their SNAP benefits at restaurants authorized to accept regular SNAP benefits in exchange for low-cost meals.

To apply for SNAP benefits, you must contact your local DCFS office or apply online by clicking here. DCFS has currently set up 12 active SNAP Outreach sites in seven coastal parishes assisting impacted families with applying for and receiving the assistance they need. Once an application is received, DCFS has a maximum of 30 days to provide benefits. However, DCFS is working hard to expedite the cases of impacted families as fast and as legally possible in order for families to receive the much needed benefits.

For more information about SNAP benefits please call (225) 342-0286 or 1-888-LA-HELP-U

I found a great program for those waiting on their Social Security benefits to process:

Hope House New Orleans is a non-profit organization with a mission to assist those within the community who are in need of food, shelter and hope. Hope House New Orleans has several programs to provide assistance to those in need. If you would like more information on the following programs please call Hope House New Orleans at (504) 525-2561:

Hope House Programs:

Emergency Assistance: (Food; Rent and Utility assistance; Clothes, Bus Tokens; Shelter Vouchers; Advice and Referrals)

Common Grounds Resource and Coffeehouse: (Free coffee and pastries; newspapers, magazines and books; computers and internet access)

Adult Learning Center: (Literacy, GED, Computer Training; ACT & SAT preparation)

Family Transitional Housing

After-school youth program: (Recreation, field trips & homework help)

Hope House 916 St. Andrew St. New Orleans, LA 70130

I found a great healthcare program for homeless individuals within the city of New Orleans. It's the only program in Louisiana that is aimed at providing adequate healthcare to the homeless.

The Health Care for the Homeless Program (HCHP) offers primary medical care, case management, mental health and substance abuse services for homeless individuals in the greater New Orleans area. HCHP patients also benefit from the joint affiliation with the Multi-Service Center for the Homeless (MSCH). Through this affiliation patients are provided with basic needs such as food, clothing, showers, laundry, storage, mail and telephone access. The MSCH also provides supportive services such as transitional and permanent housing, job search, remedial education, and individual and group counseling.

Not sure if you're considered homeless? According to the program any individual without a permanent or satisfactory nighttime residence such as shelters, streets and abandoned buildings are considered to be homeless. However, individuals who "double/triple up" with relatives or friends in a temporary arrangement or those who are discharged from institutions without a place to live are also considered to be homeless and can benefit from this program.

For more information about HCHP call 504-565-7283.

Healthcare for the Homeless Program
2222 Simon Bolivar Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70113
504-565-7283
Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 am-4:00 pm

Multi-Service Center for the Homeless (MSCH)
(504) 558-0222

Do you need assistance with paying your utility bills? Entergy New Orleans has a special assistance program for customers experiencing financial distress.

The Power to Care program is a special fund that provides emergency utility assistance for elderly and disabled customers. To be eligible for the program, participants must be 65 years of age or older, fall below the poverty income level, and/or receive Social Security or Disability benefits. The Power to Care program is a joint effort between Entergy New Orleans, Inc. and the New Orleans Council on Aging (NOCOA) to ensure that customers continue to receive quality service at an affordable cost.

For more information on the Power to Care program please call -800-368-3749 (1-800-ENTERGY) or visit your local Entergy office.

St. Anna's Episcopal Church has a mobile medical unit that rotates through designated neighborhoods throughout New Orleans. St. Anna's Medical Mission (SAMM) services are performed by volunteer doctors, nurses, social workers and non-medical volunteers. The services provided by the mobile medical unit are free and patients are generally accepted on a first-come-first -serve basis. Services that are provided, along with conditions that are treated, include:

Hypertension (newly diagnosed or uncontrolled)
Diabetes
Medication refills
Depression/PTSD
Rashes
Colds/Flu
Cuts/Scrapes

Services that are provided when the voluntary doctors or nurse practitioners are not available include:

Blood pressure screenings
Diabetes screenings
Education
Referrals

Screenings and counseling for mental health are also available when psychiatrists or social workers are available.

To find out when SAMM is visiting your neighborhood or to learn more about St. Anna's Medical Mission call 504-947-2121.

St. Anna's
1313 Esplanade Ave
New Orleans, LA Map
(504) 947-2121
Office Hours:
M-F 9am-4pm

Ghost stories, nature walks, swimming and campfires! OH MY!!!

You or your child can enjoy all these activities and more with Easter Seals Camp Without Barriers. The Camp Without Barriers program is designed for children and adults with disabilities to experience the joys and challenges of camp in a fully-accessible environment. Easter Seals offers day and residential camp programs as well as weekend and after-school programs. The hours, duration, activities, eligibility requirements, transportation availability and tuition vary from camp to camp. Easter Seals Louisiana also offers camperships, or financial assistance, for children or young adults with disabilities to attend a camp program.

For more information on obtaining a campership and Easter Seals Camp Without Barriers, contact Easter Seals Louisiana's New Orleans office at (504) 523-7325 or (800) 695-7325.

Easter Seals Louisiana
New Orleans Corporate Office
1010 Common Street, Suite 2000
New Orleans, LA 70112-2411
(504) 523-7325 / (800) 695-7325

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.