FACTS - you should know*

You can get a discount on Telephone, Gas & Electric if you are disabled, have low income or meet other various guidelines. In Massachusetts call your local company for details or BEP Staff at 1 (800) 632-8175 http://www.mass.gov/dhcd/components/cs/Fuel/default.htm - income chart or http://www.nstaronline.com/residential/financial_assistance/

A person with a disability can request an extension to housing search time beyond the 120 days as a reasonable accommodation, especially in those markets where it is hard to locate affordable rentals that meet Section 8 guidelines.

If you are disabled receiving SSI, and a parent passes away, you may be entitled to receive higher benefits under their Social Security Number.

When receiving direct deposit from Social Security, you may be entitled to a free checking account and free cashiers checks.

If you do not report working income or household changes to Social Security, IT WILL eventually catch up to you and cause a possible overpayment, which you are responsible to pay back.

Social Security will accept a payment plan of $10.00 per month if the above happens. Just Request it!

Many pharmaceutical (drug) companies offer free medication to individuals who cannot afford to buy all their medications. Call SHINE at 1-800-243-4636.

If you earn a minimal amount of work income and are disabled you can qualify for (EIC) Earned Income Credit. This will enable you to get more money back. SSI & SSDI do not count as income on taxes.

If you earn under $190.00 per week you are considered judgment proof in court of law and can request bill collectors stop contacting you based on this information.

The (HIPP) Health Insurance Premium Payment Program helps pay the cost of private health insurance for individuals who get MassHealth or CommonHealth. For further information please call 1-800-462-1120.

The (CHIP) Children's Health Insurance Program expands MassHealth eligibility to all children living in families with incomes up to 200% of poverty level. For further information please call 1-800-841-2900. Children who are not eligible for (CHIP) or other MassHealth benefits may be eligible for (CMSP) Children's Medical Security Plan. Every uninsured child and teen in Massachusetts can get hea;th care coverage at little or no cost. Children aged 18 and younger can enroll in a program with either full coverage or primary and preventive care. The immigration status of parents or child does not affect the child's eligibility. For further information please call 1-800-909-2677.

Vacation By Guided Tours - "Our travelers are persons with developmental challenges (and sometimes persons with BOTH a physical and developmental challenge), ages 17 and up, who come from all over the United States. They are people who want to experience the same joys of travel that the non-challenged community experiences. These travelers enjoy forming new friendships that often continue beyond the vacation. They may have medical conditions, but they do not get in the way of their having a successful vacation." For more information please call 1-800-783-5841 or visit http://www.guidedtour.com/.

Call any ARC listed your area for questions regarding assistance and help for disabled individuals.

* Please note, some of these Facts are for Massachusetts only. Please let us know if you find any discrepancies.

-Many thanks to Rob and Lisa for their help in preparing the above information.