September's
TWW-LSI focus is on Disability Rights.
Most
of us take the opportunities afforded to us -- with regard to our ability to live
independently -- for granted. The aspects of life that enable independent
living include living arrangements, employment opportunities, transportation,
social and recreational activities, and many other aspects of everyday life
that persons without disabilities don't give a second thought. Persons
with disabilities, however, must consider accessibility.
Please join us to hear more about disability rights and poverty. Attorney Chris Harrell has been representing Social Security claimants for over 20 years and has experience with all levels of disability appeals. He served as chair of the Louisville Bar Association’s Social Security Disability section and frequently lectures about Social Security issues.
Social Security has two programs to assist disabled people. The first is called "Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits." This program is for people who have had to stop working due to their disabilities and who are "insured" for benefits through the payroll taxes they paid into the Social Security system.
Disabled people who have erratic work histories or who may not have worked enough to be insured for benefits may qualify for the second program, "Supplemental Security Income Benefits," or SSI Benefits. This is a welfare program designed to keep disabled persons out of poverty. In order to qualify for this program, a disabled person must also meet certain income requirements. Children under the age of 22 may also qualify for SSI Benefits or other auxiliary benefits through the Social Security Administration if they themselves are disabled, if they have a parent who is currently receiving Social Security Benefits, or if they have a parent who is deceased. A parent who is receiving disability benefits may also have a portion of their child support obligations lowered by the court if their child is receiving auxiliary benefits from their disability payments.
BIO: Chris Harrell is a Louisville lawyer who focuses his practice in family law and Social Security Disability law. (www.louisvilledisabilityattorney.com)
Resources:
The Family Health Centers offer low-fee medical care and have clinics located in several locations around Louisville: www.fhclouisville.org
CenterStone offers low-fee mental health treatment, counseling services, developmental disabilities services, and substance abuse rehabilitation services. Their facilities are located throughout the Jefferson county area and surrounding counties. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you should contact their crisis hotline at 502-589-4313. To make an appointment, contact their appointment line at 502-589-1100 or visit their website: www.centerstone.org
Enrollment in Kentucky Affordable Care Act. Check for your eligibility: kynect.ky.gov
KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation offers a
variety of programs designed to help disabled persons get back to work. Some
examples are job training, vocational testing, job placement services: ovr.ky.gov
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