| The process of applying for Social Security disability is | | | | Department of Health. There are sometimes free |
| sometimes confusing and complicated. There is not | | | | clinics offering health care or other services. There |
| much that can be done about the paperwork and | | | | may also be programs offered at a reduced rate for |
| phone calls, but there are several community and state | | | | those with limited means. At the very least, someone |
| programs that are ready and willing to help disabled | | | | at the Dept of Health should be able to refer you to a |
| Americans. If you are waiting for your disability claim to | | | | good doctor or specialist for your condition. |
| be approved and need physical, mental, social, or even | | | | If you are religious, check with your religious leaders to |
| emotional help, it may be worth looking into. Here we | | | | see if a welfare program exists. Many religions are |
| will discuss some of the most helpful resources. | | | | connected with such a program and may be able to |
| Most states have a division specifically for those with | | | | help. Or, if you have a disability attorney (or even if you |
| health problems. In Idaho, it is called the their medical | | | | don't), call and ask for a list of community or state |
| benefits, etc. To find out more, contact your local | | | | programs or resources that they recommend. |
| Social Security Administration Department of Health | | | | Many disability applicants do not realize that their |
| and Welfare. In Utah, it is the Division of Workforce | | | | elected state officials may also be able to help. If your |
| Services. Regardless of the name, this department | | | | medical or financial condition is becoming urgent, gather |
| may help you with medications, finding a job, get | | | | documentation to that effect and send it to Social |
| Medicaid or/and ask for a referral, or check with your | | | | Security. If your case is not expedited, contact your |
| government listings. | | | | State Representative. Send copies of your |
| United Way is another good resource for the disabled. | | | | documentation and request that your representative |
| Their mission is to assist Americans nationwide with | | | | intervene on your behalf. If successful, your file may be |
| education, income, and health. The goal with education | | | | moved to the top of the list. |
| is specifically to ensure quality Child Care, increase | | | | If you have been seeing a doctor, ask about |
| school readiness for children, and push for academic | | | | resources for medical and financial assistance. Many |
| completion. In terms of income, their goal is to increase | | | | clinics have brochures upon request and can answer |
| financial independence and help prepare for retirement. | | | | any questions you may have. |
| They certainly have much to offer a disabled | | | | If none of these resources are helpful, check with |
| American with limited financial means. Health is also an | | | | Social Security about your individual situation. There |
| important issue, and United Way has programs for | | | | may still be help out there for you-it just may take a |
| adults as well as children. It is worth a look. | | | | little more research. Wherever you are in the disability |
| It may also be worth looking into your state | | | | process, best of luck. |