Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

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.

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.

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

Cuyahoga County is offering children ages zero to 19 a program that provides free health insurance for low to moderate income families. Eligibility is determined by the number of people living in one household and its total income. Children with mental and/or physical disabilities are eligible for the service. Healthy Start can be used by those who are insured, uninsured or underinsured. If you have medical bills, Healthy Start will pay for them for three months after you were initially billed.

Health care under this program is provided at some of the area's top hospitals and doctor office's. Those who qualify will be able to receive a number of heath care services including:

• Regular checkups


• Immunizations


• Dental care


• Eye care


• Prescriptions


• Hospitalization


• Emergency care


• Prenatal and/or postnatal services

If you don't live in Cuyahoga County, don't worry! Healthy Start is part of the State Insurance Children Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). You can call your local county Human Services agency and ask about the free health insurance program.

There are several Cuyahoga County food pantries available for those who need assistance. Some have restrictions however most will severe anyone in need at least once. None of the pantries listed below require a referral but some require proof of income. You can find a more extensive list of area food pantries at http://cleveland.about.com. If you are interested in pantries that require a referral, call the Empowerment Center at 216-432-4770. You may receive a referral every 60 days.

All Faiths Pantry
• Offers a large selection of non-perishable food, fresh produce, meat and bread when available.
• Open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

3209 Saratoga Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44109
(216) 496-4329

Brother Hubbard Cupboard
• Open on the last two Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Food is given based on family size.

4120 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-391-7231

Manna House Recovery and Resource Center
• Open on the third Saturday of the month at 1:00 PM.
• Home delivery is available if you are sick or shut-in
• Provides generous four to five day supply of non-perishable foods, produce, meat and bread
• Only residents of the Fairfax area are eligible to receive aid from this pantry
• Also provides support services for personal growth, recovery and renewal

8019 Cedar Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44103
216-432-2598

Parma Heights Food Pantry
• Open Mondays 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesdays 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Thursdays 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
• Household supplies are also distributed

6285 Pearl Road
Cleveland, OH 44103
440-842-6491

United Hearts Life Mission Center
• Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Those living in the following zip codes are eligible for assistance once month: 44102, 44109, 44111, 44113, 44114, 44115, 44127 and 44144.
• Three to five days worth of non-perishable food will be distributed per family.
• Individuals with disabilities may send someone on their behalf to pick up food.
• Other free services at this organization include pregnancy tests, clothing support (including maternity) and referrals for pre-natal medical care and social services

3339 Broadview Road
Cleveland, OH 44109
216-459-9839

United Labor Agency
• Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM by appointment.
• Those needing assistance will be referred to a hunger center in the client's neighborhood

3328 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-391-0900

The Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) is a program developed by the Ohio Department of Health. It links those who have children with disabilities to a network of health care providers. BCMH also helps families pay for the services their children need. A child (21 years old or younger) can be enrolled in the program by their BCMH-approved doctor. The doctor will send a medical application form to the organization for approval. Families can find BCMH providers on the Ohio Department of Health website.

A child may be eligible for this program if he or she has the following ailments. Other disabilities not listed may be eligible are as well.

• AIDS


• Cancer


• Cerebral palsy


• Chronic lung disease


• Congenital Heart Disease


• Cystic Fibrosis


• Diabetes


• Hearing loss


• Juvenile arthritis


• Scoliosis


• Severe vision problems

Those who need financial assistance for their child's health care are eligible on a case-by-case basis. Families must be evaluated on the medical care the child needs, the maximum ability to pay for health care, amount spent on private insurance and the amount spend on weekly child care. They also must meet a certain percentage of federal poverty guidelines.

BCMH counts neither personal assets when determining financial eligibility, income from child support, nor social security income. A child receiving benefits through Medicaid, SSI or WIC is automatically financially eligible for BCMH treatment services, regardless of the parent's income. Find the closest BCMH to you today!

I found a free clinic in the Greater Cleveland area that someone might be able to benefit from. When applying for Social Security Benefits, receiving health care while you wait for approval can be hard. That's why I wanted to point out what a Cleveland area clinic might be able to do for you.

The Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland offers programs to help meet the chronic and even smaller health care needs of individuals. At the facility there is an Acute Care Clinic, Dental Clinic, Teen Clinic, Adult Primary Clinic and Women's Clinic. All tests and medications at the clinic are free of charge.

There are also specialty clinics such as adolescent, cardiology, HIV early prevention, dermatology, neurology, podiatry, nephrology (treatment for kidney issues), physical therapy, pulmonology (treatment for the lungs), rheumatology (treatment for joints and tissue), specialty GYN and ophthalmology.

The Free Clinic also offers numerous treatment options including counseling and psychiatrics services for mild to moderate conditions. More severe conditions are addressed on a case by case basis and referrals are offered when treatment cannot be offered to an individual. All adult and adolescent services are assessed through its intake department and appointments can be scheduled by calling 216-721-4010 and requesting the mental health intake line.

One of the last things that this organization offers is case management for those who are in need in the community. Case managers are available to give referrals in the areas of housing, transportation, emergency food assistance and many more to those in need.
The Free Clinic is located at 12201 Euclid Avenue. It opens its doors at different hours during the week to help benefit interested individuals.

The Free Clinic is one of the oldest free clinics in the United States and the largest in Ohio so don't hesitate to contact them!

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.

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.

Creating art and expressing yourself is a great way for you to get your mind off of things such as an illness or disability. VSA arts of Ohio is a non-profit organization that focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities through the arts. VSA arts of Ohio is located in Columbus, OH but residents of the entire state can take advantage of this program.

The staff at VSA arts of Ohio provides those with disabilities or chronic illnesses a chance to participate in various activities such as painting, sculpting, music sessions or performing arts. Here's a little more information about what VSA arts of Ohio represents:

"V" Vision of an inclusive community
"S" Strength in shared resources
"A" Artistic expression that unites us all

Each year VSA arts holds different competitions and events for its participants. The organization gives musically talented individuals a chance to win the Young Soloist Award which is later carried to a national level at a competition in Washington, D.C. VSA arts of Ohio also organizes Accessible Expressions in which participants are judged based on their visual art creations.

Recently I was able to intern for this national program. It was a great experience and I could tell that the staff really enjoyed working with individuals with disabilities or illness to help decrease the feeling of stress or depression that may come along with those conditions. Expression through the arts has been proven to be a type of therapy for almost everyone.

Please contact the Cochran Firm Disability Lawyers if you would like to apply for disability benefits. This may also help take your everyday stresses to a lower level. To learn more information about VSA arts of Ohio, please call 614-241-5325.