FINANCIAL HELP WHILE YOU WAIT ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

It sometimes take 24 months or longer to get Social Security disability started.  How do you survive financially if you can't work and have no income?  It's a frequent problem faced by disabled individuals.  Here are resources that may help you piece together a financial survival plan while you wait on Social Security to act.




FOOD STAMPS:  Contact your county's Department of Human Resources.  In Madison County, it's located at 2206 Oakwood Avenue NW.  Phone (256) 427-6000. Each county has a DHS department.  Website:
 http://dhr.alabama.gov/counties/county_results.aspx?id=Madison

MORTGAGE PAYMENTS:  Contact "Hardest Hit Alabama" at www.hardesthitalabama.com  or call 1-877-497-8182.  They may help you make mortgage payments.

LOW COST MEDICAL CARE (DOCTORS): Click on the link below for a list of low cost clinics near you. The list is state-wide, generally listed in alphabetical order.  Scroll the list to find a clinic near your home.

http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf?_function=list&state=al
County health departments also have doctors that will provide medical care for persons with no insurance or other means to obtain care. Here's a link to the health department in Madison County (or check with your county):
 www.alabamapublichealth.gov/madison/
Immediate Medical Emergencies:  Go to your nearest emergency room.
Prescriptions.  Believe it or not, nearly every pill maker has a program to give away medication to individuals who are out of work and have no insurance. This was part of the deal pharmaceutical companies made with the government for making them rich. The key often lies in your doctor's hand.  Research your medication on the internet, then call the manufacturer and ask about their program.  Get them to send you the forms that your doctor needs to sign.  Some doctors will also provide samples until you can maker other arrangements. You might also seek information at your county health department.


UTILITY BILLS OR OTHER NEEDS:   Dial 211 on your phone and tell the operator the type of assistance you need.  You will be connected to an agency that may be able to help you.


HELP WITH SOCIAL SECURITY DISABIILTY:  Contact the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville at (256) 799-0297 or (256) 431-1599. 
Trying to financially survive disability can be a full-time job.  My hope is that some of the resources on this site will help someone. 

 FORSYTHE FIRM: SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE



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