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I hate unemployment......... OBama..... Can you hear me???????

We assist people living in Ada County

Applications will be accepted every 

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Beginning November 1st and ending December 8th

9:00 AM -- 4:00 PM

Late night applications will be accepted

November 15th, November 30th, and December 7th from

9:00 AM to 8:00PM

At The Salvation Army Family Services
4308 W. State St
208.343.5429 x1

You will need to bring with you:  

• Something that shows the age of your child/children
• Identification for all adults
• Something that shows your current address

Gifts for children ages 0 to 14 and Food Boxes for all Households

2011 Christmas Assistance Registration

RICHMOND:

Registration for assistance in the Richmond metro area will be held at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, 3701 R Street in Richmond on the following dates:

October 10-14; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
October 24-28; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
November 7-11; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Spanish speaking individuals are asked to register on the following dates as The Salvation Army will have interpreters available on those dates ONLY!!

November 28 - December 2; 9a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be NO late registration days this year for Richmond metro area!!

TRI-CITIES:

Registration for assistance in the Tri-Cities will be held at The Salvation Army Tri-Cities Service Center, 1228 S. West Street in Petersburg on the following dates:

October 10-14; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
October 24-28; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 7-11; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
November 28 - December 2; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be NO late registration days this year for the Tri-Cities!!

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING TO REGISTER FOR ASSISTANCE:

Please note, The Salvation Army will not register clients without all of this information.

1) A photo I.D.
2) Social security cards for applicants and ALL children
3) Birth certificate for ALL children
4) If the child is not the applicant's, the applicant will need to provide proof of guardianship (custody papers)
5) Proof of expenses (rent/mortgage, cable and cell phone)
6) Proof of income (recent paycheck stubs)

Assistance is available for children ages birth to 14.

Children are not allowed at registration.

HOW DO I GET HELP PAYING MY UTILITY BILLS?

The Division of Public Utilities cannot physically assist any party with the payment of their utility bills. The Division of Public Utilities may intervene, and possibly mediate the informal complaint process where the utility may have violated Utah State Statute, Utah Public Service Commission Rules, or the Utility's published tariffs. The Division of Public Utilities can refer the party to programs administered by public agencies or in conjunction with the utilities themselves, that may assist the party in applying for utility payment assistance.

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE TARGET (HEAT)

The HEAT program is Utah's version of the federal LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). funded 100% by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Utah State Department of Community and Culture (DCC). It is designed to assist eligible households to meet the rising costs of home heating by either electricity or natural gas. There is also a LOW INCOME WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, administered by the same State office that can assist eligible parties to make their homes more energy efficient.

HEAT Information
How to apply
Application Instructions
Application
 

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This program is also administered by the Utah State Department of Community and Culture. It is administered through nine government and nonprofit agencies across the state, enables qualified low-income individuals and families to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce utility costs. Individuals, families, elderly people (age 60 or older), and the handicapped that are at or below 125 percent of the current federal poverty income guidelines are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

More Information.
 

HOME ENERGY LIFELINE PROGRAM (HELP)

This program is also administered by the Utah State Department of Community and Culture, and is designed to assist eligible households to meet the rising costs of home electric energy.

You can obtain more information about these programs by contacting Sherm Roquiero at (801) 538-8644, Rosalinda Tsosie at (801) 538-8621 or Eva Salazar at (801) 538-8642 with Community and Economic development or the Energy Hotline 1-800-662-3633. Click here to visit their website.

Salt Lake County:
      Heat 801-521-6107
      Weatherization 801-359-2444

Tooele County:
      Heat 435-833-9766
      Weatherization 801-359-2444

Utah, Wasatch and Summit Counties:
      Heat 801-377-0066
      Weatherization 373-8333 x 117

Davis, Morgan and Weber Counties:
      Heat 801-394-9774
      Weatherization 435-451-3256

Box Elder, Cache and Rich Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-752-7242

Juab, MIllard, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute and Wayne Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-896-9222

Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield and Kane Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-673-3548

Dagget, Duchesne and Uintah Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-722-4518

San Juan, Grand, Emery and Carbon Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-637-7323

 

UTAH TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM   (UTAP or Lifeline)

Under the Public Service Commission Rule R746-341-1 you may be eligible for a discount on monthly local phone service and one-time hook-up fees. It is funded through the Universal Services Fund (USF) approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the State of Utah. It provides a discount of approximately $13.25 a month for low-income households (135% of the federal poverty limit) with landline telephones and a 50% (up to $30) Link-Up discount for low-income households who desire to install a landline telephone in their home. As of June 2006, the Utah Lifeline program had over 29,000 participants.

More Information
Eligibility - Do You Qualify?
UTAP Application

Contact Information:
Shauna Springer 801-530-6433 sbenvegn@utah.gov
Eva Salazar 801-538-8642 esalazar@utah.gov

 

OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE:

• Southeastern Utah Association of Government's Heat Program
• Questar Gas assistance link
• The American Red Cross also administers their own 'Emergency Utility Assistance Programs'.  They are REACH, LEND A HAND and Salt Lake City WATER ASSIST. For more information contact the American Red Cross office nearest you.

Faced With Turn-Off Or Delinquent Water Bill Account? Maybe We Can Help!

The cost of providing water to almost two million people each day is directly tied to the cost of fuel, electricity and federal mandates.

This means that some of our citizens with limited incomes are finding it harder to make ends meet. That is why Baltimore City is offering assistance to those who may be having problems paying their water bills.

Please contact your nearest Baltimore Community Action Center (see below) for more information on how we may be able to help you.”

Who is eligible?

• You must be a Baltimore City resident, the utility account holder and receive your water bill directly from the City.
• You must reside at the property on the account.
• You must have received a delinquent, turn-off, or tax sale notice due to being in arrears.
• You must not have an existing payment plan with the Department of Finance.
• You must have verification documents for eligibility.

Once approved:

You must pledge to make consistent payments on your unpaid and current balance. You will receive a credit of $125.00.

You must meet the household income guidelines below:

Baltimore Housing Community Action Centers

 Assistance is available for both gas and electric bills. The assistance may be in the form of a reduction of your heating bill and/or a set amount based on your income to be paid each month. Eligibility for these programs is usually based on household income.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

What is HEAP?

HEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). It is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. HEAP pays a one-time payment for most PUCO-regulated utility customers reflecting their usage for the current winter heating season.

Who is eligible?

The total household income of an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

How do I sign up?

Call (800) 282-0880, TDD (800) 686-1557 or write to P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, Ohio 43266-0583. HEAP applications may also be downloaded from the Ohio Department of Development Web site or picked up at community action agencies, post offices and libraries. Note: Each household should mail only one application. Customers can check the status of their HEAP applications online.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)

PIPP Plus allows eligible customers to make affordable monthly energy payments on a year-round basis. When a PIPP Plus household pays its monthly PIPP Plus payment on-time and in-full, some of their old debt and the rest of that month’s bill goes away in the form of a credit on their utility account.

Who is eligible?

• Your utility company must be regulated by the PUCO. Duke Energy Ohio, Ohio Gas, Eastern Natural Gas, Pike Natural Gas, and Southeastern Natural Gas will offer a slightly different version of PIPP Plus. If you are a customer of one of these companies, call your company to learn more. Some small gas companies are not required to offer PIPP Plus. 
• You must apply for all energy assistance for which you are eligible.
• You must have a gross yearly household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. If you are not eligible based on the 12-month “test,” you may qualify for PIPP Plus based on your income for the most recent three months.

What will my monthly payment be?

Electric and natural gas customers who qualify pay $10 or 6 percent of their gross monthly household income, whichever is greater, to the utility company each month. If the utility provides both gas and electric services or if the customer has an all-electric home, the payment is $10 or 10 percent of the gross monthly income, whichever is greater.

How do I sign up for PIPP Plus?

Contact your local energy assistance program provider. You may also enroll in PIPP Plus by completing the Energy Assistance Program application and mailing it to The Ohio Department of Development. You must provide proof of your gross monthly household income for at least the last three months. To find your local energy assistance program provider or to obtain an application, please call (800) 282-0880.

Will I have to pay a deposit when I sign up?

No. There are no deposits for PIPP Plus households. If you paid a deposit in the past, that amount will be used to reduce any debt you owe the utility company.

When is my first payment due?

Your first payment will be due when you enroll in PIPP Plus. If you are unable to pay at enrollment, the installment can be added to your next monthly bill, but you will be billed for two payments. You will also lose the arrearage credit for the first month.

What are the new benefits of paying my PIPP Plus amount on-time and in-full?

When PIPP Plus payments are made on-time and in-full, customers earn an incentive credit and an arrearage credit. Each time you pay your required monthly payment on-time and in-full, you no longer owe the rest of that month’s billed amount. You also receive a 1/24 credit toward any old debt. If you make full, on-time payments for 24 straight months, all of your arrearages will be eliminated.

Will fees be assessed for late payments?

No, but you will not receive the incentive or arrearage crediting benefits that come from paying your PIPP Plus payment amount on-time and in-full.

What do I need to do to stay on PIPP Plus?

Natural gas: Every 12 months you must provide proof that your gross monthly household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level to remain a PIPP Plus customer. At that time, you must also make up any PIPP Plus payments that you missed over the past 12 months. You will have one billing cycle to make up those payments, or you will be removed from PIPP Plus, and your entire bill balance will become due. At that time, your utility may offer you an extended payment plan to help you avoid disconnection.

Electric: To remain a PIPP Plus customer, you must provide proof of your gross monthly household income at least every 12 months. If you do not provide proof of income you will be removed from PIPP Plus, and your entire bill balance will become due. At that time, your utility may offer you an extended payment plan to help you avoid disconnection. 

Can I participate in customer choice and PIPP Plus at the same time?

No. If you are participating in a customer choice program, and then become eligible for and participate in PIPP Plus, you will automatically be switched to the utility. If you were under a contract with a marketer, they may assess an early termination fee if you switch to PIPP Plus before your contract expires.

What are my options if I become income ineligible for PIPP Plus?

• Natural gas: Customers who become income ineligible for PIPP Plus, but are current on their PIPP Plus payment, will be placed on Graduate PIPP Plus. This new program provides customers with a 12-month transition from PIPP Plus to full payments. Under Graduate PIPP Plus, customers pay an average of their most recent PIPP Plus amount and a budget billing amount calculated by their utility. Graduate PIPP Plus customers who make payments on-time and in-full will continue to receive credits toward their monthly bill balance and a 1/12 credit to their old debt. Some small gas companies are not required to offer Graduate PIPP Plus.
• Electric: The electric transition and arrearage crediting program provides customers with a 12 month transition from PIPP Plus to full payments. Under the Electric Graduate PIPP Plus program, customers pay either an average of their most recent PIPP Plus amount and a budget billing amount calculated by their utility, or a regular budget payment or the cost of the electric service billed each month. Electric Graduate PIPP Plus customers who make payments on-time and in-full will continue to receive credits toward their monthly bill balance and a 1/12 credit to their old debt.

Winter Crisis Program (formerly Emergency Energy Assistance Program or E-HEAP)

A special component of HEAP, the Winter Crisis Program, is administered by community action agencies throughout Ohio. The Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible low-income households that are disconnected, threatened with disconnection, or have less than a ten-day supply of bulk fuel. For further information, contact your local community action agency.

Who is eligible?

The total household income of an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

How do I sign up?

Applications for Emergency HEAP are accepted through March 31. Contact your local community action agency to sign up.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

Ohio's Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) is a federally funded low-income residential energy efficiency program. The program reduces low-income households' energy use, thus creating more affordable housing for those in most need. Services include attic, wall and basement insulation; blower-door-guided air leakage reduction; heating system repairs or replacements; and health and safety testing and inspections. All measures are provided based on an on-site energy audit and on cost-effective guidelines developed using the NEAT computerized energy audit. Individualized client education is an important component of the program.

Who benefits from HWAP?

Households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) participants, PIPP eligible households or households participating Supplemental Security Income qualify for this no-cost program.  After weatherization, households that heat with natural gas reduce space heating consumption by an average of 24.7 percent, and electrically heated homes reduce usage by 13 percent on average.  HWAP participants increased the percentage of utility bills that they pay and the rate of disconnections of utility service for this group decreased by 50 percent.

How do I sign up?

Call (800) 282-0880, TDD (800) 686-1557 or write to P.O. Box 1240, Columbus, Ohio 43266-0583. HWAP applications may also be downloaded from the Ohio Department of Development Web site or picked up at community action agencies, post offices and libraries. Note: Each household should mail only one application.

Summer Crisis Program

A special component of HEAP, the Summer Crisis Program provides summer cooling assistance for low-income elderly households and for Ohioans with qualifying medical conditions. The program applies to electric utilities only.

What are the benefits?

One-time payment assistance of up to $175 to be put towards:

• Electric bill payment,
• Air conditioning unit, or
• Fan

Who is eligible?

• You do not have to be enrolled in PIPP or have received a disconnection notice to be eligible for the Summer Crisis Program.
• Households must have a gross annual income of 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and meet one of the following criteria:
  • Have a member of the household who is at least 60 years old; or
  • Provide physician documentation of medical necessity.

How do I sign up?

Applications for the Summer Crisis Program are accepted from July 1 through August 31. Contact your local community action agency to sign up.

HeatShare Programs

The HeatShare programs are programs administered by the Salvation Army to help qualifying households pay for natural gas bills. These programs typically run from January until May, or until funds are depleted. For more information about the HeatShare program or to receive assistance, please contact your local Salvation Army.

Columbia Gas of Ohio HeatShare Program

Customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio are eligible for the HeatShare program if they have an annual gross household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Households experiencing unexpected financial hardships may also be eligible for the program, determined on a case-by-case basis. The HeatShare program provides Columbia customers with a one-time assistance grant of up to $250. Customers are only eligible for HeatShare once per year, and the assistance cannot be applied toward security deposits or bills that are not required to maintain service.

Dominion East Ohio EnergyShare Program

The Dominion East Ohio EnergyShare program is designed to provide fuel assistance to pay for any type of winter heating bill. To qualify for the program, customers must live within the Dominion service territory, must have a termination notice, and must have exhausted other resources for state and federal fuel assistance. Senior citizens age 60 and older do not need a termination notice to qualify. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:

• Annual household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines;
• Head of the household is unemployed; or
• Have a demonstrated personal or family crisis.

EnergyShare can provide customers with assistance of up to $500 for heating bills and up to $250 for deposits. The funds cannot be used for unauthorized usage, bills older than one heating season, or unpaid balances from the previous heating season. To receive assistance, the applicant must have their name on the utility account or live at the listed residence. For more information, contact your local Salvation Army or Dominion East Ohio at (800) 362-7557.

Duke Energy Ohio HeatShare Fuel Fund

Eligibility for the Duke Energy Ohio HeatShare program is based upon need, and households must be subject to disconnection in order to qualify. Eligible customers can receive a one-time assistance payment of $300. For more information, contact the Salvation Army at (513) 721-0795.

Extended Payment Plans

PUCO-regulated gas and electric companies have the following extended payment plans available to help you to make affordable payments and maintain service:

• The One-third Plan, or Winter Heating Season Plan, is only offered from November 1 to April 15 and requires you to pay 1/3 of your total account balance each month.
• The One-sixth Plan requires you to pay six equal monthly payments on your past due amount in addition to your monthly budget payment.
• The One-ninth Plan requires you to pay nine equal monthly payments on your past due amount in addition to your monthly budget payment.

These plans are available to all residential customers regardless of income. For more information, contact your utility company or your local Community Action Agency. You may also call the PUCO toll-free: Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., EST:

                         (800) 686-PUCO (7826) (voice)

                         (800) 686-1570 (TDD)

Some utility companies may offer other emergency assistance plans. For more information, please contact your utility company.

Energy Assistance for Military Personnel and their Families

The Patriot Plan, a program providing protections and benefits to military personnel and their families, can assist qualifying customers with maintaining utility service while serving on active duty. Under the plan, Ohio’s natural gas and electric utilities cannot disconnect the residential utility service of any military reservist or National Guardsman deployed on active duty for nonpayment.

Upon return from active duty, utility companies must offer customers a period of time equal to the length of their deployment to pay any arrearages that may have accumulated. Additional time may be requested by a customer if the amount in arrearages presents a hardship. Utility companies are also prohibited from charging any late payment fees or interest to qualifying customers during the period of deployment or the repayment period.

The Patriot Plan does not apply to career active-duty military personnel serving their regular tour of duty. For additional information regarding this benefit, contact your local utility company or the PUCO at (800) 686-PUCO (7826).

Financial Assistance Services provides support to low-income residents of Ramsey County. We determine eligibility for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, Food Support, General Assistance, Child Care and the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

Note: If you currently have Medicare or will qualify in the near future, you should learn about Medicare D, the new prescription drug coverage program. Go to Minnesota Department of Human Services for more information on Medicare-related programs.

New System, New Access in Community Human Services/Financial Assistance Services

Cash and Food Programs

The following programs help low-income people with Cash or Food support. Click on the program links for further information about the programs. Click here for information on How to Apply for Cash or Food Support assistance in Ramsey County.

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) - This program helps to pay childcare costs for low-income working families.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) - This program is Minnesota's Cash and Food Assistance program for families who need assistance.

Diversionary Work Program (DWP) - When most families first apply for cash assistance, they will participate in the Diversionary Work Program, or DWP. This is a 4 month program that helps parents go immediately to work rather than receive welfare.

Food Support Program (FS) - This program helps low-income people with their food costs.

Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP) - Non-citizens not eligible for FS may qualify for the MFAP.

General Assistance (GA) - This program serves as Minnesota's primary safety net for single adults and childless couples. The GA Program provides monthly cash grants for vulnerable persons whose income and resources are less than program limits.

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA) - This program is a state funded program that provides a monthly cash supplement to people who are aged, blind or disabled and who receive federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Group Residential Housing (GRH) - This program is a state-funded income supplement program that pays for room-and-board costs for low-income adults who have been placed in a licensed or registered setting with which a county human service agency has negotiated a monthly rate.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) - This program coordinates services to assist refugees in making the transition to life in the United States. These services include resettlement and placement, cash and medical assistance, and employment and social services.

Health Care Programs

The following programs help low-income people with coverage for medical bills.

Medical Assistance (MA) - This program assists child under the age of 21, parents or relative caretakers of dependent children, pregnant women, people who are 65 or older and people who have a disability.

General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) - This program serves low-income adults, ages 21-64, who have no dependent children under age 18 and who do not qualify for federal health care programs.

Other Health Care Programs - There are a variety of health care programs available to assist specific groups of people. These include persons in Nursing Homes, at-home care services, etc. the Department of Human Services web site is a good source of information on these programs.

Emergency Programs

The emergency aid programs available in Ramsey County include:

Ramsey County Emergency Assistance (EA) - This program is for low-income families experiencing a financial crisis.

Emergency General Assistance (EGA) - This program primarily helps low-income individuals experiencing a financial crisis.

Emergency Minnesota Supplemental Aide (EMSA) - This program is only available to persons currently receiving MSA.

Emergency aide is usually provided in the form of specific payments for shelter or other emergency expenses, which cause a threat to the health or safety of the individual or family. People currently active on a program with Financial Assistance should call their caseworker to apply for emergency aide. People not currently on assistance with Ramsey County can call 266-4444 to get information on how to apply for emergency aide.

Emergency Shelter/Help for the Homeless - Ramsey County has a variety of services available to those who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Intake services for homeless persons are coordinated through The Family Place. For information on what to do if you are homeless or in danger or becoming homeless call The Family Place at 651-225-9354 or 651-225-9355.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for cash or food programs, please come to our offices at 160 East Kellogg Blvd., Government Center East, St. Paul, MN 55101.

To access application forms and get further information from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, please go to their website.

To have Ramsey County mail you an application, or for further information about applying for services or our programs, call 266-4444.

Please contact the clinic/health center directly to schedule an appointment.

4215 Medical Pkwy.
Austin, TX 78756
Driving Directions    Website

Phone: 512-459-6002
Fax:

Services

Primary Medical Care

  CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH

The Christmas Bureau has been a part of Spokane's Christmas tradition since 1945. Each year from the day after Thanksgiving through December 31st, the Spokesman-Review solicits donations from businesses and individuals for the Christmas Bureau Fund. Donors make their contributions directly to the Spokesman-Review. Those funds purchase toys for children and provide food vouchers and books for needy families who come to the Christmas Bureau, which runs for ten days each December at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds Agricultural Building (404 N. Havana).

Christmas Bureau recipients are self-selected. All are welcome, and there are no income specifications. Each address is served one time. All adults served must bring photo ID and proof of address (current utility bill, phone bill, or rent receipts are best). Proof of dependents (all children 17 and under) is required. A letter from their school, or a letter from a non profit agency confirming the number and ages of dependents work best. Documentation is needed to show that the children live with the adult(s) wishing to obtain vouchers and toys for the children.

Catholic Charities Spokane and Volunteers of America manage and operate the Christmas Bureau. Together, more than 300 community volunteers are scheduled, receive a background check, are trained, and welcome families to help make the Bureau run smoothly.

If you would like to volunteer at the 2011 Christmas Bureau
please call Brigid Krause at 358-4270 or email her at bkrause@ccspokane.org

Donated Dental Services (DDS) is a Wisconsin Dental Association program. The program is directed to people who are unable to afford needed dental care because of a limited income which is clearly linked to a permanent disability, chronic illness or advanced age (65 and over).

Ronald McDonald Care Mobile™:  This traveling unit provides no-cost dental services to qualifying children in  south-central Wisconsin and northern Illinois. 

Clinics offering free or reduced-fee dental care

This list of free or low-cost health clinics in Wisconsin is from the Department of Health Services ForwardHealth program. The page includes maps showing the locations of federally qualified health centers, free clinics, rural health centers, and tribal health centers in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Dental Association has a list of reduced rate dental clinics for low-income and uninsured individuals.

HealthNet of Janesville offers free care to eligible low-income Rock County residents with no health insurance. The clinic is located at 1344 Creston Park Drive, Suite 2, Janesville. For more information about HealthNet Dental Clinic's screening procedure and services call 608-756-4638 to enroll.

Marquette University School of Dentistry Dental Clinic provides dental care for about half the price of a private dentist. Participating clinics are located both in and outside of Milwaukee. You will need to schedule an initial screening appointment to determine if you are eligible for clinic services. For more information call 414-288-1510 (English) or 414-288-1520 (Spanish).

The Marshfield Clinic Park Falls Dental Center opened March 3, 2008. The dental center is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday. A sliding fee scale will assist those with limited income and no insurance. You can schedule an appointment by calling 715-762-0200 or by visiting the Center's web site.

The Marshfield Clinic Chippewa Dental Center serves all patients regardless of the insurance or ability to pay. The Center offers a dental  financial assistance program but there are certain requirements. Information about the requirements is available by calling 715-738-2000. The center is located in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

The Marshfield Clinic Ladysmith Dental Center provides dental care on a sliding-fee scale.  The center is located in Ladysmith, Wisconsin and can be reached by phone at: 715-532-2500.

The Max W. Pohle Dental Clinic provides dental care with a special focus on persons with particular medical needs. Special payment plans for the uninsured are available. The clinic is located in Madison and can be reached by phone at (608) 417-6500. 

The Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, lists free and reduced-fee clinics.  Some of these clinics provide dental care. Contact each clinic for more information.

 WIC Program For Women, Infants And Children

• Versión en español

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals and a variety of nutritious foods to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, infants and children up to age five.

WIC has been shown to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers and their infants and children. The foods provided through WIC are a good source of essential nutrients that are often missing from the diets of women and young children. WIC participants have longer, healthier pregnancies and fewer premature births.

What's New with WIC?

The new New York State WIC logo represents the program's mission to partner with you and your family by providing these services:

• Breastfeeding and peer counseling support
• Nutrition education focused on your needs
• Offering ideas for easy physical activities that are fun and healthy
• Convenient hours, locations and services
• Referrals to other health and social services
• Individualized food packages

To make it easier for you to have the paperwork you may need for your WIC appointments, some WIC forms are now posted on the Department of Health website.

For more information on WIC go to:

• The New Look of WIC
• WIC Food Packages
• WIC and Breastfeeding
• WIC Participant Handbook

Do I qualify for WIC?

You can receive WIC benefits if you meet all four of these requirements:

1. You must be
   • A pregnant woman of any age;
   • An infant or child up to five years of age;
   • A mother of a baby that is up to six months of age; OR
   • A breastfeeding mother of a baby that is up to 12 months of age.
2. You must be a resident of New York State, but you do not need to be a U.S. citizen.
3. You must meet the income eligibility guidelines OR be receiving benefits from Food Stamps, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
4. Your medical or nutritional needs must be assessed by a WIC health care professional to determine which benefits are available to you.

Fill out the WIC Prescreening Tool online at USDA to find out if you might be eligible for WIC

How do I apply for WIC benefits?

Call your local agency to make an appointment.

• View a listing of local agencies providing WIC services.
• Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline to locate the WIC Local Agency nearest to you: 1-800-522-5006

For More Information...

• Health Care Providers
• Vendors
• More New York State Nutrition Programs
• Helpful Nutrition Information
• Reporting Waste, Fraud and Abuse: The Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI)
• WIC Forms You May Need for Your WIC Appointment

Equal Opportunity Notice

WIC is an equal-opportunity provider.

Gas Assistance For Low Income

  www.freegasusa.org
A nationwide non-profit assistance program for low-income people having trouble paying for gasoline. Applications can be made for gas grant cards that range in value from $50 to $1200, depending on need and circumstances. In order to be eligible for a gas card a person's yearly incomd must be at or below the "very low limit" category as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  An income calculator is available at the website.  Applications are only available online, must be substantiated by a human service agency, and must be accompanied by a $3 non-refundable cashier check or money order. Applicants must be residents of the United States.  

Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program

Benefits:

MCHIP uses federal and state funds to ensure that all Maryland's children have medical insurance.

The Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) gives full health benefits for children up to age 19, and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines. MCHIP provides care through a variety of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).

Eligibility:

1. Children under age 19, who are not eligible for Medicaid
2. Pregnant women of any age
3. Whose countable income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
4. Children of employed parents whose employer does not offer family health insurance (NOTE: In some instances, having health insurance will not prevent you from being eligible for MCHIP. Even if you have health insurance, it's best to apply and let the case manager assigned to your application determine your eligibility)

How to Apply:

1. Complete an application and provide the requested information. The sooner you complete the application, the sooner your child(ren) will receive assistance.
2. Applications can be mailed in or carried in to any location listed below.

Where to Apply:

1. Applications are available at the local department of social services
2. Applications are also available at your local health department, WIC Centers, and local hospitals and schools
3. Applications can be mailed upon request by calling 1-800-456-8900

What to Bring:

1. General information about family members (such as names and birth dates)
2. Social Security numbers of applicants
3. Sources and amounts of income
4. If pregnant, written proof of pregnancy and expected date of delivery signed by your doctor or nurse.

Medicaid

Program Description:

Medicaid, also called Medical Assistance, is a Program that pays the medical bills of certain needy and low-income individuals. It is administered by the State and pays medical bills with Federal and State funds.

Eligibility:

Medicaid coverage is automatically granted to individuals receiving other public assistance, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Foster Care. Low-income families, children, pregnant women, and aged, blind, or disabled adults may also qualify for Medicaid. You can have private health insurance and be eligible for Medicaid. The rules are different for different groups and the kinds of medical care covered are different for different groups. If you need help paying for your own or your family?s medical bills, you should find out for sure about your eligibility for Medical Assistance by filing an application at your Local Department of Social Services.

Regional Variations

Benefits and eligibility requirements are standard across the State.

Where to Apply:

You must file an application to find out if you are eligible for Medicaid. To do this, go to The Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) in the city or county where you live. If you are applying for a child or a pregnant woman, you may apply at your Local Health Department.

For additional information on the Medicaid Program and eligibility requirements

Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program

Services Offered:

The Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program provides help to qualified Maryland residents, regardless of age, who are not eligible for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Eligibility is not limited to the elderly and disabled.

Eligibility:

Eligibility for the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program is based on the financial resources available to the family unit. Participants receive a yellow and white MPAP card within one week of approval. Eligibility is for one year from the first day of the month in which the application is received.

How to Apply:

Those applying must contact their local department of social services. Complete and submit a declaratory application, which includes identifying information for each member of the household, including income and assets.

Medicare Buy-In Program

Services Offered:

The Medicare Buy-In Program, also known as QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) and SLIMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary). It is designed to protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries from the significant and growing costs required to receive Medicare coverage, including out-of-pocket cost sharing expenses (deductibles and co--payments). The Program connects the two largest public health programs in the country, Medicare and Medicaid, as Medicaid pays for all or part of the Medicare premium and deductible amounts for individuals who are financially eligible.

The QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Program serves individuals with modest assets (up to $4,000 per individual or $6,000 per couple) with combined incomes that do not go over 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The state Medicaid program pays their Medicare Part B premiums and cost-sharing amounts. The SLIMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) Program pays only the Part B premium for those with incomes between 100 and 120 percent of poverty with assets up to $4,000 per individual or $6,000 per couple.

Please note that applications for all Medical Assistance programs can be obtained completed and submitted at your local health department, Drs. Office and Hospital Social Work Department.

Click here for Application form.

HOW DO I GET HELP PAYING MY UTILITY BILLS?

The Division of Public Utilities cannot physically assist any party with the payment of their utility bills. The Division of Public Utilities may intervene, and possibly mediate the informal complaint process where the utility may have violated Utah State Statute, Utah Public Service Commission Rules, or the Utility's published tariffs. The Division of Public Utilities can refer the party to programs administered by public agencies or in conjunction with the utilities themselves, that may assist the party in applying for utility payment assistance.

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE TARGET (HEAT)

The HEAT program is Utah's version of the federal LIHEAP program (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). funded 100% by the Federal Government through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Utah State Department of Community and Culture (DCC). It is designed to assist eligible households to meet the rising costs of home heating by either electricity or natural gas. There is also a LOW INCOME WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, administered by the same State office that can assist eligible parties to make their homes more energy efficient.

HEAT Information
How to apply
Application Instructions
Application

WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

This program is also administered by the Utah State Department of Community and Culture. It is administered through nine government and nonprofit agencies across the state, enables qualified low-income individuals and families to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce utility costs. Individuals, families, elderly people (age 60 or older), and the handicapped that are at or below 125 percent of the current federal poverty income guidelines are eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program.

More Information.

HOME ENERGY LIFELINE PROGRAM (HELP)

This program is also administered by the Utah State Department of Community and Culture, and is designed to assist eligible households to meet the rising costs of home electric energy.

You can obtain more information about these programs by contacting Sherm Roquiero at (801) 538-8644, Rosalinda Tsosie at (801) 538-8621 or Eva Salazar at (801) 538-8642 with Community and Economic development or the Energy Hotline 1-800-662-3633. Click here to visit their website.

Salt Lake County:
      Heat 801-521-6107
      Weatherization 801-359-2444

Tooele County:
      Heat 435-833-9766
      Weatherization 801-359-2444

Utah, Wasatch and Summit Counties:
      Heat 801-377-0066
      Weatherization 373-8333 x 117

Davis, Morgan and Weber Counties:
      Heat 801-394-9774
      Weatherization 435-451-3256

Box Elder, Cache and Rich Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-752-7242

Juab, MIllard, Sanpete, Sevier, Piute and Wayne Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-896-9222

Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield and Kane Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-673-3548

Dagget, Duchesne and Uintah Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-722-4518

San Juan, Grand, Emery and Carbon Counties:
      Heat and Weatherization 435-637-7323

 

UTAH TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM   (UTAP or Lifeline)

Under the Public Service Commission Rule R746-341-1 you may be eligible for a discount on monthly local phone service and one-time hook-up fees. It is funded through the Universal Services Fund (USF) approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the State of Utah. It provides a discount of approximately $13.25 a month for low-income households (135% of the federal poverty limit) with landline telephones and a 50% (up to $30) Link-Up discount for low-income households who desire to install a landline telephone in their home. As of June 2006, the Utah Lifeline program had over 29,000 participants.

More Information
Eligibility - Do You Qualify?
UTAP Application

Contact Information:
Shauna Springer 801-530-6433 sbenvegn@utah.gov
Eva Salazar 801-538-8642 esalazar@utah.gov

 

OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE:

• Southeastern Utah Association of Government's Heat Program
• Questar Gas assistance link
• The American Red Cross also administers their own 'Emergency Utility Assistance Programs'.  They are REACH, LEND A HAND and Salt Lake City WATER ASSIST. For more information contact the American Red Cross office nearest you.

IRS Tax Tip 2011-46, March 7. 2011

If you paid someone to care for your child, spouse, or dependent last year, you may be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return. Below are 10 things the IRS wants you to know about claiming a credit for child and dependent care expenses.

1. The care must have been provided for one or more qualifying persons. A qualifying person is your dependent child age 12 or younger when the care was provided. Additionally, your spouse and certain other individuals who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care may also be qualifying persons. You must identify each qualifying person on your tax return.
    
2. The care must have been provided so you – and your spouse if you are married filing jointly – could work or look for work.
    
3. You – and your spouse if you file jointly – must have earned income from wages, salaries, tips, other taxable employee compensation or net earnings from self-employment. One spouse may be considered as having earned income if they were a full-time student or were physically or mentally unable to care for themselves.
    
4. The payments for care cannot be paid to your spouse, to the parent of your qualifying person, to someone you can claim as your dependent on your return, or to your child who will not be age 19 or older by the end of the year even if he or she is not your dependent. You must identify the care provider(s) on your tax return.
    
5. Your filing status must be single, married filing jointly, head of household or qualifying widow(er) with a dependent child.
    
6. The qualifying person must have lived with you for more than half of 2010. There are exceptions for the birth or death of a qualifying person, or a child of divorced or separated parents. See Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.
    
7. The credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses, depending upon your adjusted gross income.
    
8. For 2010, you may use up to $3,000 of expenses paid in a year for one qualifying individual or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals to figure the credit.
    
9. The qualifying expenses must be reduced by the amount of any dependent care benefits provided by your employer that you deduct or exclude from your income.
    
10. If you pay someone to come to your home and care for your dependent or spouse, you may be a household employer and may have to withhold and pay social security and Medicare tax and pay federal unemployment tax. See Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide.

For more information on the Child and Dependent Care Credit, see Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses. You may download these free publications from http://www.irs.gov or order them by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Links:

• Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses (PDF 167K)
• Form W-10, Dependent Care Provider’s Identification and Certification (PDF 31K)
• Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses (PDF)
• Form 2441 Instructions (PDF 32K)
• Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax (PDF 2,075K)
• Tax Topic 602
• Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide

 in response to cashay...   If you are waiting for a time when you will be sufficient financially before leaving, that is like saying when I win the lottery, then I will leave.

No one, and I mean no one, is ever financially free..... and as far as a burden goes, a burden to who.....

Again my dear friend, a cop out. If you were sincere about the situation you are truly in, you would find a way out. Trust me, been there, done that. And once you do leave, then you begin to rebuild and shoot for the goal of being financially free.

friendshelpingfriends