6 replies to this topic

[Dean1978]

I live in Texas and I am a C-6 quad. But I have full use of my upperbody so I wouldn't need any nurses or anything for care. I was wondering what kind of help I could get to be able to live on my own. If someone could help me I would appreciate it. Thanks

[Ches]

What kind of help? Financial?

[Dean1978]

yes finacial help

[StillFingers]

Hi Dean,

It was good chatting with you the other day. Here are a few Texas specific website links that might help, I've also included a link to social security. You might contact either your local or the rehab center you were at for information regarding rehab/physical therapy type jobs/employment opportunities, education requirements and possible grants, scholarships, loans that are industry specific.

You might also look at various generic grant programs for college funding, your local vocational rehabilitation office and/or college disabilities office can help with student loans/grants (at the private, state and federal levels.)

Government Assistance from other State Agencies - Texas
http://www.twc.state...law/assist.html

Resource Guide on Higher Education for People with Disabilities - Texas
http://www.txddc.sta...collegehtml.asp

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)
http://www.dads.stat...pendix/06-D.htm

Given the pre-adult age at which you were SCIed, your parents might have already applied and gotten you support thru SSA, if not contact both SSI and SSDI as soon as you can to check if you qualify.

SSA Social Security Administration - Benefits For People With Disabilities
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

If you need any help finding your way, getting information, filling out forms, figuring out your qualifications, with SSA, just ask, send me a message and I'll do my best...I've applied to many agencies/offices in my 33yrs on wheels, the process can be complicated, frustratingly slow, but if you qualify you should get financial assistance/help.

My best to you, living independently is a great goal, when you succeed it's absolutely fantastic! I've been on my own sharing life with a wonderful partner for twenty plus years...it's good, very very good

Jerry

Edited by StillFingers, 15 January 2012 - 05:12 PM.

[Dean1978]

thank you very much fingers, I really do appreciatte your help and I'm going to look over the information and see what i can do

[LeviM]

Just to add a few things to Stillfingers post.

Theres a program in Texas called CBA... Community based alternative. It is a form of Medicaid. You have to be elgible for at least SSI and meet the income requirements etc. You have to also be at risk for nursing home care or meet any of the other critera which could put you at high risk such as falling or requiring help with certain things. It will pay for any PCA care and nursing care you may need in the future. It will cover a lot of other things normal medicaid or a medicaid hmo wont cover. The only bad thing is theres usually a waiting list. It only took me a few months to become enrolled though when I was in Texas.

Theres also Adult disabled child benefits. Any adult disabled before age 22 may be eligible for child's benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. This is actually paid and determined by your parents social security earnings, not your own. If youre not on SSI I would definately start that process as it can be a lengthy one.

Also TRC...Texas rehabilitation comission can be a huge help if you wish to further educate yourself. They can help with schooling and all kinds of things like equiptment such as wheelchairs and modification of a vehicle with hand controls and other things.

Edited by LeviM, 17 February 2012 - 02:00 AM.

[munkypoop]

Damn I have been trying to find how to go back to school and get it paid for and help through the process of everything but I cannot find any thing to help me like the links up there for Texans. Or am really trying to find grants or something to pay for remodeling my garage and house! I can't find anything in the northeastern Minnesota! But I'm told. If you need help with money. There is something called the Caddy waiver... Apparently it is in every state. They can only help you to make your house handicap accessible and what not. I used that to do my house, unfortunately the other remodeling isn't covered by that! You can always share a good, pitiful sad story with local churches, it might help!