maintained
by
Lisa
Nachmias
Davis
of Davis O'Sullivan & Priest LLC,
Attorneys at Law
& Priest LLC
59 Elm Street
Suite 540
New Haven, CT
06510
203-776-4400
Fax: 203-774-1060
Updated in part 2/12/24 - NOTE -- the State of CT changes URLs frequently -- if you can't find something I've linked directly, try searching the state website using as much information as you can from what I have provided. IN 5 YEARS ALMOST EVERY SINGLE LINK CHANGED! !
| Connecticut Consumer Resources (General) (by topic) |
Connecticut
Disability-Specific Groups |
National |
Social
Security Legal Resources |
CLICK
for a
List of my own articlesTip: Read the MANY useful articles in the Voice, publication of the Special Needs Alliance - you can also subscribe to receive it by email
Selected Connecticut Resources: (somewhat
topical; many have their own links page)
| FINDING LEGAL HELP: It is ESSENTIAL that you consult an attorney from your own area who is familiar with local resources and rules. Please note, I am only licensed to practice in CT. Also, read my disclaimer -- and remember - this page is not legal advice!-- |
 Find a
Social Security attorney Listing of CT
attorneys who practice Social Security law, particularly the highy
specialized area that relates to appealing benefit denials. Lots
of people claim to do this now-- shop around. Statewide Legal Services of
Connecticut, Inc.: 1-800-453-3320 - gateway to help from
legal services organizations in Connecticut, this service provides
telephone assistance and may refer you to a legal service
organization. (Most CT legal service organizations are staffed by
top-notch, highly intelligent, very knowledgeable attorneys, but they
also have heavy case loads and cannot help everyone, so their services
are limited to those with very low income in most cases.) Be sure to
check legal information on many topics on the state-wide legal services
website www.ctlawhelp.org Disability Rights CT --
replaced state Office of Protection and Advocacy - now "Connecticut’s
“Protection and Advocacy System” and Client Assistance Program." Special Needs Alliance:
organization of attorneys whose practice includes significant work for
clients with special needs, including establishment of special needs
trusts. Disclaimer: I'm a member. National
Academy of
Elder
Law Attorneys: "find an elder law attorney" tool allows you
to seek out attorneys knowledgeable in the field of elder law which
often (not always) means knowledgeable about government benefits that
are important to those with special needs. (Also I'm a member.) Connecticut
Legal Rights Project: Legal
assistance and advocacy services esp. related to psychiatric
disabilities. Known for assisting in challenges to
conservatorships (determination of incapacity) and commitments.CT Parent Advocacy Center Inc.
("CPAC"): statewide nonprofit organization that offers legal and other
information and support to families of children with any disability or
chronic illness, age birth through 26; may offer direct advocacy services in dealing
with school systems as well as offering a useful booklet. Call
860-739-3089.Council
of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
("COPAA"): national organization that includes state-by-state listing
of special education attorneys and advocates. Members include
EVERY attorney in CT I know who does this work. (Howard Klebanoff has
retired but is still a facilitator and mediator.) |
| FINDING
HOUSING: It can be hard to find housing, especially for those with mental illness. Here is a start. |
MyplaceCT.org
housing support pages describes different levels of
housing support -- you can click and search for everything from
independent living on up and see the requirements for different
places. ALSO -- 211. Subsidized
apartments: Try HUD
subsidized apartment search no direct link -- you have to click
through. Apply
for the CT "RAP"
housing assistance certificate or sign up for waiting list openings
for the federal Section 8
program -- waitlisted now. (Check my elder law links page if you want more
details on
HUD rules.) In
general to find a "housing counselor," find a HUD-sponsored counselor
agency to help with credit issues, renting, and other housing issues;
call 1-800-569-4287 or search online. Don't forget
to contact NAMI-CT for help with
housing for those with mental illness. Call (800)
215-3021 Residential Care
Homes -- sometimes known as "homes for the aged" --are not just for the
aged but may also be appropriate housing for those who can live in a
somewhat institutional setting (roommate; shared meals) and need help
with some activities of daily living -- including medication
management. This page has rate information; you can look at the rate
letters (Medicaid rates, not private pay--scroll down) and just
search for what
is in your area. Be advised, the
benefit that pays for an RCH is not
Medicaid despite what the facility or RCH says -- it is "AABD"
or "state supp" (setting up a SELF-FUNDED special needs trust
disqualifies you for 2 years after creation) (BUT since last year, the
state no longer gets paid back when you inherit something or win a
lawsuit, or from your estate when you die.) The state doesn't make it
easy to find one BUT givese you a "tool
kit" of resident's rights. You can also check the Newlifestyles search engine
(includes other facilities) |
| CT Association of Centers for Independent
Living google -- looks like they lost their website |
Philosophy:
"The entire focus of the Independent Living Movement is the realization
that freedom to make choices and the ability to live in the community
is a basic civil right that should be extended to all people,
regardless of disability. With this framework, Independent Living
Center staff work with and for the consumer to promote his or her
independence in the community." This site offers information
about the region's independent living centers and the resources they
offer. |
| CT
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List |
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List Website!! Legal Services says: First, you can go to the web site, click on "List of open waiting lists," and see which housing authorities, if any, presently are accepting Section 8 applications. If a list is open, it may be possible, depending on the housing authority, to link to a housing authority web site from which an application form can be downloaded. Second, you can register at the site to receive notice whenever a list opening is posted. To do this, click on "Register to receive email notices of opening of waiting lists." You can request notices of all lists posted or of those from particular housing authorities only. Register for "All Authorities" so that you receive all notices. |
| CT "circuit breaker" programs - property tax relief for the disabled | Property tax exemption/credit and
other programs -
"disabled tax relief program" |
| "State
supp" rental assistance for those with VERY VERY low income |
Link
to DSS
brochure. Apply online at connect.ct.gov (or if the pandemic
ends, at a local DSS office). Most likely you
would also qualify for SNAP or food stamps. NOTE -- the state
places a lien on your house if you are a homeowner, and benefits must
be repaid from: (1) inheritances; (2) lawsuits; (3) lottery
winnings; and (4) on death. Even if you acquire a home after
being eligible, the state may lien it. |
| FINDING
MEDICAL CARE - or how to pay for it |
|
 AccessHealthCT( = Obama CARES) |
This
is CT's "health care exchange" where you can apply for medicaid or purchase insurance that
will probably be subidized, unless you earn well into the 6
figures! Note: "income" = modified adjusted gross income a/k/a
MAGI
income, what
goes on page 1 of the 1040 tax return, with tax-free interest and
Social Security added back in (basically). The only test for the
APTC credit is INCOME
-- your assets do not count at all. BUT if your income goes up,
you might owe the subsidy back. Also, for people 19-64
not on Medicare, "low-income" Medicaid or Husky D only counts MAGI
income, uses a monthly basis, and if you guess wrong and your income
goes up, you don't owe anything back as long as you were not comitting
fraud. Even if married, you can qualify for Husky
D so long as
you file separate tax returns. (If you have minor
children, Husky A is what youa re looking at incstead.) For
Husky A and D, NO ASSET TESTand no
transfer penalties and no spenddown. (Even pays for nursing
homes.) TIP: If you don't
qualify and need to purchase insurance and get that credit, I strongly
encourage you to use
the insurance agency Associated
Insurance, run by Mike Leone. This endorsement is based on
experience, I am not paid for it! |
| CT
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (800) 446-7348 |
Includes
helpful link on "how to find services in your area" For example: CMHC ((203) 974-7300) in New Haven; Harbor Health Services on the shoreline (203-483-2630); Bridges in Milford/Orange (203-878-6365), etc. NOTE: You must go through DMHAS to apply for the "WISE" Medicaid waiver for community support services. |
| CT
Department of Developmental Services regular #: 866-737-0330 Emergencies: 860-720-3110 |
Includes "frequently asked questions," descriptions of
programs. Except for those on the list for the autism pilot, to
get DDS services the person has to have IQ of 69 or below starting
prior to age 18. See new Autism Spectrum Division page and info on the new Autism Spectrum Disorder pilot project.. (The problem is under-funding and a LONG waitlist.) Also visit the site of the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities |
| CT
Department of Social Services Information and Referral: 1-800-842-1508 CT MAP Client Assistance: 1-866-409-8430, M-F 8a-5p
|
Information
on numerous departments that operate programs of interest to the
disabled (Services to People with
Disabilities ,the Bureau
of Rehabilitation Services)
and detailed information on programs
for those with disabilities, including Medicaid for the Employed Disabled (if you want to see the fine
print on the Working Disabled program, click HERE -- also here is
a link to a DSS summary of this
program, reprinted/edited by me), |
| CT
Family Support Network |
Useful information includes resources for the deaf, etc. |
| CT Insurance Department |
Includes page with Medicare supplemental policy rates in Connecticut (PDF) and page on companies offering supplemental policies. |
| Volunteers in Psychotherapy | Volunteer organization that provides "truly private psychotherapy" - patients can earn free therapy by working for a nonprofit organization. |
| FINDING
WORK - OR HELP GETTING TO WORK |
|
| CT
Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 1-800-537-2549 |
State office designed "to create opportunities, through the provision of individualized rehabilitation services, which enables persons with disabilities to live and work independently" |
| "Connect-ability"
website |
A program of the Dept. of Social Services, this site is designed to help those with disabilities find ways to rejoin the workforce. The CT Department of Labor also has a site, "Disability Resources for Job-Seekers." |
| Help with transportatiaon |
Dial-a-Ride
or for non-emergency MEDICAL tripst, MyRideNEMT. Otherwise
check www.211ct.org and GOOD LUCK. |
| OTHER USEFUL STUFF IN CT |
|
| Don't
forget you can call 211 for general information. |
"2-1-1
provides free and confidential information and referral. Call 2-1-1 for
help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more."
or look online at 211ct.org |
| MyplaceCT.org or contact Connecticut Community Choices Contact Community Choices by calling 1-800-994-9422. |
With
state funding, aging resource centers sponsored by area Agencies on
Aging have morphed into resources for benefit and other information for
the aging and disabled population.. |
| The Connecticut Elder Law website (CTElderLaw.org) |
Now part of www.ctlawhelp.org, a compendium of information hosted by CT Legal Services, this is the invaluable consumer-oriented site on Connecticut Elder Law topics but which also includes critical information on entitlement programs for the disabled such as Medicare and Medicaid, the QMB program that pays Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles, SSI and Social Security. Direct link to Legal Services Network pamphlets for consumers. |
|
Replaced Office of Protection and Advocacy - safeguards and advances the civil and human rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut by providing information, referrals, consultations, organizing assistance to local groups, and various types and levels of advocacy assistance including bringing lawsuits relating to disability discrimination. |
|
| CT Parent Advocacy Center Inc. ("CPAC") | Statewide nonprofit organization that offers legal and other information and support to families of children with any disability or chronic illness, age birth through 26; may offer direct advocacy services in dealing with school systems as well as offering a useful booklet. Call 860-739-3089. |
| Access
in CT |
A "cross-disability resource and
advocacy organization for people with disabilities" |
| Disabled American Veterans - CT
chapter 860-584-0057 |
The website isn't much as of this
writing, but this is a good organization to contact for counseling,
referrals, help applying for benefits such as "aid and
attendance." Or call CT Dept. of Veterans Affairs, 1-800-550-0000. |
| DRM disability resource guide | Mammoth set of links to disability sites put together by Disability Resources, Inc.; this page is directed to Connecticut resources. |
| Hospital Debt
Justice Project |
A
web site which attacks the collection practices of Yale-New Haven
Hospital and others, this web page does offer a great summary of
options for those unable to pay hospital bills, including information
about hospital funds, the uninsured discount, etc. |
| PLAN of Connecticut | Nonprofit organization that will act as Trustee of special
needs trusts; particularly useful when there is no appropriate Trustee;
also now operating a "pooled trust" that can hold assets of a
disabled person over age 65 WITHOUT AFFECTING CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY - similar
to a "d4A" trust available to those under 65. CAUTION: the
State of Connecticut
now has additional reuqirements (PDF) for those 65+ to escape a
transfer penalty when the account is funded. The pooled
trust is also useful for individuals who don't have parents or
conservators to establish the more ordinary kind of self-funded special
needs trust (that is, the money going into the trust is the person's
own money from savings, retirement, proceeds of litigation or
settlement, or inheritance). D4A and pooled trusts can be used to
"reduce counted income" in order to qualify for waiver services
- or for Community First Choice services available to anyone on Husky
-- despite higher income. My article on pooled trusts to qualify
for the home care program for elders explains how it works -- same idea
for other waivers and for CFC. |
| Sustinet |
Page
is probabaly obsolete, but overlooked -- perhaps
the future "Public Option" in Connecticut -- but still only in planning
stages. This page gives status updates and other information. |
Connecticut
Disability-Specific Groups
** This list is not comprehensive. Feel free to
contact me if you wish to include your organization. I have
chosen to include those organizations known to me out of concern that
many families still appear unaware of the support groups available to
them***
| The ARC of Connecticut (not sure if 860-953-8335 still works) |
CT
chapter of national organization that advocates for those with
"intelletual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities." |
| Brain
Injury Association of Connecticut Help-line: 1-800-278-8242 |
Connecticut Chapter of the National Head Injury
Foundation. The Association provides referrals and case
consultation, among other services. |
| CT Brain Injury Support Network |
501c3
that provides advocacy, support, etc. Legislative advocacy and
monitoring of CT ABI waivers. |
| CT affiliate of
Learning Disabilities Associationof America |
Replacement
for CACLD -- no more phone -- look on Facebook! |
| CPAC |
CT
Parent Advocacy Center - statewide nonprofit organization that offers
information and support to families of children with any disability or
chronic illness, age birth to 26. Services free to
families. Call 1-800-445-2722 |
| NAMI
CT |
"Connecticut's voice for mental illness." NAMI has lots of training programs for families and local chapters for support. Link to sources of crisis help. |
| Autism Services and Resources
of Connecticut 203-265-7717 |
Est.
2012 with the merger of the CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center and the
Autism Society of Connecticut (ASCONN). Vision: "to prepare
those with ASD for the world, as we prepare the world for those with
ASD." Focus on advocacy, support to families, and raising
awareness.  Interested
in participating in an online U. Wisconsin study for those diagnosed
with being on the Autism/Asperger's Spectrum? Click here |
| CT Downs Syndrome Congress |
Lengthy
website with many resources for families of Downs Syndrome children |
| National Multiple Sclerosis
Society - CT Chapter 860-714-2300 |
Lengthy
website lists many programs of assistance to those with MS as
well as the usual host of links, fundraising events, and information
abou the disease |
| CT Chapter, Tourette
Association of America |
Resources
for families, educators. |
| Fellowship Place (New Haven) |
"A
Supportive Community Fostering Mental Health" in New Haven |
| United
Cerebral Palsy |
Only
one local affiliate apparently: Eastern
CT. |
| Spinal
Cord Injury Association - CT Chapter |
Among other things, info on adaptive
technology and other resources |
Selected
National /
Federal Resources and Links
| ABLE National Resource Center |
Terrific
site that has ABLE account information for every state and a comparison
too. Also, planning tools, help with financial decisions etc. |
| The Arc of the United States (formerly Association of Retarded Citizens) | National organization of and for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Links to Connecticut chapters. |
| Autism Speaks |
"the
world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to
funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for
autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and
advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their
families." Lots of useful resources including "Autism Response
Team (ART) members... available to answer calls and emails from 9am to
1pm local time." |
| Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law | Center for legal advocacy for the civil rights and human dignity of people with mental disability |
| Center for Medicare Advocacy | Includes great information on Medicare, e-mail link to request the Center’s printed materials, a "quick screen" to identify potential Medicare coverage, and a useful summary/comparison of supplemental policies and summary of gaps in coverage. |
| BP
Children |
Devoted to early-onset bipolar disorder information. See also an older site for subscribing to an internet discussion group for "significant others" of those with bipolar disorder, BPSO. |
| U.S. Office of Disability Employment
Policy |
Formerly disability.gov (hm, maybe taken down during a prior administration?) "Your online connection to the federal government's disability-related information and resources." |
| Merrill
Lynch Special Needs Planning Calculator (scroll down -- you have to click on their link) |
Yes,
I know this is a commercial "for-profit," but ANY tool that will help
families hone in on what financial resources they need to plan for
someone with special needs has to be welcome -- especially because
financial planners usually won't offer advice "fee for service" but
only in conjunction with managing your assets -- and if your assets are
modest what is the incentive for them to give you careful and
thoughtful advice? Try to find a good financial planner if your
family includes someone with special needs -- money can make all the
difference! |
| National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) |
NAMI also advocates for the families of those with mental illness. This comprehensive site discusses new developments and treatments, and links to state and local affiliate sites. You can subscribe to their mailing list for frequent updates on legal developments affecting the mentally ill. Lists CT affiliates. |
| National Association of Social Workers | Companion site for consumers is "helpstartshere.org." Click to find a clinical social worker in your area |
| National
Disability Institute |
"research,
advocacy, policy development, training and technical assistance" for
individuals in the disability community seeking employment or starting
business. Note that financial literacy training is available at
the financial
resilience center. |
| Special Needs Alliance (Voice) articles |
The Special Needs Alliance (SNA) is a national, not for profit organization of attorneys dedicated to the practice of disability and public benefits law. As a public service, the SNA publishes an internet newsletter, The Voice, with incredibly useful articles on all kinds of topics relating to government benefits, special needs trusts, planning for those with special needs, etc. You can read articles on the archive and/or subscribe to receive it by email. |
| US Dept. of Justice, Americans
with Disabilities Act page |
Includes
informaiton and technical assistance for employers, etc. trying to
comply with ADA; frequently requested through FOIA information on
settlement of cases; and other legal resources |
DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION
IS NOT
PROVIDED AS LEGAL ADVICE AND CREATES NO ATTORNEY-CLIENT
RELATIONSHIP. NO ENDORSEMENT IS
INTENDED BY ANY REFERENCES HEREIN. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR OWN LEGAL
AND
FINANCIAL ADVISORS BEFORE TAKING ANY ACTION.
I
can only provide general information, and will
not provide advice about a particular case without a formal engagement.
Writing
to me does not create
an attorney-client relationship.
Back to Info/Links IndexWeb-site design by: Tintern Productions
Lisa Nachmias Davis
Davis O'Sullivan & Priest LLC
Attorneys at Law
59 Elm Street,
Suite 540
New Haven, CT
06510
Phone:
203-776-4400
Fax:
203-774-1060
Email link