Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

Visit GovBenefits.gov and take about ten minutes to answer some questions. You will receive a list of programs that you may be eligible for based on your answers. GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government. It contains information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

Visit GovBenefits.gov today and find out what resources are available to you.

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

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has awarded grants to nonprofit agencies that plan to offer free tax preparation services next year. The Birmingham Business Journal reports that the United Way of Central Alabama received $41,200 in grants. Almost $8 million in the matching grants were warded nationwide by the governmental agency as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.