Happy Spring! In this edition of the
Beneficiary Bulletin, we will introduce you to the amazing world of Assistive Technology - what it is, where to find it, and how to pay for it.
Also, you will learn about the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program. Additionally, we will keep you up to date with our policy changes. Please check out our reminders section to ensure smooth processing of your requests.
Enjoy the season of spring - when everything is new again!
The Secured Futures Trust Team
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Resources
Assistive Technology
It Could Make a Difference for You
Assistive Technology, or "AT" as it is commonly known, can have a profound impact on the life of an individual with a disability. The term AT encompasses many different kinds of devices ranging from a wheelchair or scooter to a hearing aid or enlarged keyboard. AT can help individuals with communication, education, employment, and activities of daily living.
Each state has an AT Program that aims to help individuals of all ages - with all types of disabilities - gain access to AT. Click
here to learn about the AT Program in your state and how to get in touch with them. They should be able to introduce you to the AT options that best meet your needs. Many states also have a "Lending Library," where individuals can borrow an AT item for a period of time to make sure it will work for them before they make the purchase.
You can also browse online to check out the various options available to you. There may be technology you didn't even know existed that could make a life changing impact.The top 5 companies recommended by the
Friendship Circle
, an active blog focused on special needs, include the following:
Many AT companies offer a newsletter or catalog you can sign up to receive.This may be one of the best ways to stay up-to-date on the exciting advances in AT and ensure you're taking advantage of what the latest technology has to offer.
Unfortunately, at this time, there is no one single entity, privately owned or government-run, that will pay for any kind of AT in any situation. However, you may be able to find partial assistance from different sources. For example, Medicaid or Medicare may cover a portion of the cost.
Your state's AT Program may also be able to direct you to local organizations or charitable funds that can help defray costs. To learn more about potential financial resources, click
here. In addition, you can turn to your trust to purchase AT if your insurance won't cover the cost. If you need assistance with submitting a Disbursement Request for AT, please call or email us and we will be happy to help you through the request process. It could be the best call you've ever made!
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 It's "About" You!
Thank you for putting your
trust
in Secured Futures. It is our pleasure to serve you and your family!
Kind regards,
The Trust Administration Team at Secured Futures
"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - Anne Bradstreet
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Benefits 101
Ticket to Work
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a program allowing beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI to get back to work while still maintaining their government support benefits during the transition into the full-time workforce.
Ticket to Work is free and voluntary, and anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 can participate. The goal of the program is to assist beneficiaries in reaching financial independence and self-sufficiency. The support and resources offered each step of the way can help you succeed in a career of your choice.
Participants of the
Ticket to Work program can work without automatically losing disability or healthcare benefits.There are also protections against undergoing a Medical Continuing Disability Review during that time. In addition, there is an option to resume benefits if you have to stop working. For a general overview of the program, explore this
site.
In addition to those protections, SSA can connect you with the tools you need to reach your career goals. It is important to note that there are several different kinds of service providers that SSA can introduce you to. Some may be better suited to help with your specific goals than others. For example, one service provider could be an "employment network", geared to providing free career counseling, job placement, and support once you've started working. Another service provider could be a "vocational rehabilitation agency", which is more focused on helping those who need significant assistance in getting into the work force, such as helping with tuition for school, extensive training, rehabilitation services, vehicle modifications, etc.
Click
here to utilize the guided search feature to find the best
Ticket to Work service providers for you. You will be asked a series of questions about your unique situation in order to generate a list of providers in your area that can meet your specific needs on the path to financial independence.
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Newsletter Archives Now Available
Want a refresher on how to read your Account Summary Statement? Thinking about getting started on your prepaid burial arrangements, but don't remember the steps to take?
Now you can access the 4 latest editions of the Beneficiary Bulletin on our website anytime you want! Click
here and save it as a "Favorite" in your internet browser for quick and easy access in the future.
Reminders
New Policy for Expedited
 Requests effective
April 1, 2016:
P
lease note that as of the beginning of this month, if your Disbursement Request is approved for a check to be mailed overnight, your account will be charged $50.00 for the cost of shipping. Please remember that you must always allow for our processing time of 5-8 business days for each and every Disbursement Request and that expedited shipping may only be approved in emergency situations. Thank you!
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Got Forms?
Hint: Plan ahead!
Please remember that you can always access our forms online 24/7
here.
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