Financial and Legal Supports
As students with disabilities age out of the high school setting, there are many questions that arise in the area of finance. Will the student be able to earn an income? Who will pay for daily living expenses? Is the individual eligible for Medicare or Medicaid? Should an individual have a legal guardian or are they capable of making life altering decisions? The questions seem endless and the answers are oftentimes confusing. Below you will find resources to help navigate the maze of financial services and legal supports for individuals with disabilities. These resources explain
guardianship, trusts, ABLE accounts, financial supports,
and even legal representation for individuals with
disabilities.
Federal
*National Guardianship Association
NGA is a leader in guardianship resources and information. This site contains relevant information about the legal process related to guardianship as well as resources that will educate caregivers.
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Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration is an agency funded by the US federal government. Individuals with disabilities may be entitled to collect Social Security Insurance (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), depending upon the type of disability and the circumstances of the individual. Also, determination for Medicare and Medicaid come through the SSA. Parents should reach out to SSA if they have a child with a disability to see what kind of services they are eligible for. There is a local office in Greensburg, however, most applications can be completed through the SSA website.
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Contact Information
122 W 3rd Street
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601
1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
State
This agency works with individuals with disabilities, who receive Medicare or Medicaid, to stay in their homes through coordinating long term supports and services. Funded by the PA Department of Health and Human Services, this agency ensures that individuals receive services to support independent living.
This service is available to individuals with disabilities who are 21 and older, who receive Long Term Support Services. More information is available HERE
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The Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network (PLAN), Inc. help make possible the delivery of free legal services to low-income Pennsylvanians. Services available range from housing representation to establishment of guardianship. See the website for the many services available.
Contact Information:
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, Inc.
The Louise Brookins Building
118 Locust Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1414
717.236.9486 or 800.322.7572
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PA Client Assistance Program (CAP)
CAP is a free service, regardless of income, that works with individuals with disabilities to help them understand their rights to services such as Office of Rehabilitation, Blind and Visual Services, and Centers for Independent Living. This organization works hard to ensure that individuals with disabilities obtain employment and independent living supports so that they can live a meaningful and productive life. Read more about this service HERE
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Contact Information:
1515 Market Street
Suite 1300
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(888) 745-2357
Local
Achieva is an organization that works to ensure that children with disabilities have the same chances in life that all children should be given. They offer services in the areas of Family Trusts, Advocacy, Disability Healthcare initiative, Early Intervention, Home Care, Older Adult Protective Services, Recreation, Representative Payee, Residential Supports, Vocational Supports. Achieva also offers the ACHIEVA Family Trust Charitable Residual Account grant for students with disabilities, providing funding for recreational activities. The application for this program is HERE
Achieva offers training on Guardianship and Power of Attorney. They also assist families in setting up Trusts and ABLE accounts.
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List of local attorneys who deal with special needs law.
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Contact information:
The Arc of Westmoreland
316 Donohoe Road
Greensburg PA 15601
724.837.8159
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*PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance
This organization provides services that focus on increasing understanding of the disorder and providing proven accommodation strategies to successfully support individuals with this disorder. Click HERE for a brochure, featuring information on how they support families, clients, and schools.
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Contact information:
PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance
P.O. Box 148, McSherrystown,
PA 17344
717.337.1134
800.990.3300
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Ahedd offers Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA), funded by SSI, to individuals who receive SSI or SSDI. WIPA provides "benefits counseling" for individuals to consider if earning an income will impact the funding and/or insurance they receive through SSI. This service is highly recommended if your student is considering working. For more information click HERE to view a detailed handout explaining the program.
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Contact Information:
AHEDD
3300 Trindle Rd.
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 763-0968 x 62001
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Laurel Legal Services provide extended representation, within program priorities, in local court matters such as housing issues including landlord tenant disputes and mortgage foreclosure prevention, SSI appeals, Unemployment Compensation and Guardianship issues. This organization offers help to low-income families within Westmoreland County.
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Contact Information:
Laurel Legal Services, Inc.
306 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-836-2211
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The PEAL center helps families and individuals with disabilities through Parent Advising, Training Series, Newsletters and Publications, and an Annual Conference. All of PEAL services focus on special education practices in Pennsylvania. They offer a Family to Family Health Information Parent Advisor service to assist families with health-related concerns. This agency provides a wealth of information and assistance to those who care for individuals with disabilities.
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Contact information:
The PEAL Center
2325 E Carson St., Suite 100A
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
412-281-4404
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Westmoreland County Pro Bono Program
The Westmoreland Pro Bono Program was formed by the Westmoreland Bar Association and Westmoreland Bar Foundation to help Laurel Legal Services, Inc., provide the best legal representation to eligible clients in the county. Attorneys who participate in the Pro Bono Program volunteer their time and represent clients at no cost.
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Contact information:
129 North Pennsylvania Avenue
Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601-2311
724.834.6730
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Local Guardianship Attorney
Becker, Moore, and Smarto
Greensburg PA
724-838-8422