Financial Aid for Families on Disability and Social Security

Families on disability or Social Security often qualify for other sources of financial aid. The Plan for Achieving Self Support, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and your state's vocational rehabilitation program all offer financial aid for families on disability and Social Security. Some programs assist with day-to-day expenses, while others focus on assisting you in finding and keeping a good job.


PASS Assistance

The PASS program provides financial aid to American students presently on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Specifically, it helps students on SSI reach their vocational goals. With PASS assistance the student sets aside assets for a specific vocational goal, such as paying college tuition, and can still be eligible for SSI payments. PASS covers college expenses such as books, child care if needed, computer and related supplies, food while at school, Internet, tuition, tutoring and even transportation costs. Repayment of PASS fudning is not required. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, have a certified disability and have a gross family income of less than $57,000 per year.

Habitat for Humanity

Image via WikipediaHabitat for Humanity (HFH) builds and rehabs homes by utilizing volunteer labor along with donations of materials and funding. HFH helps families, many times disabled families, get into a wheelchair-accessible home of their own. Applicants, once approved, apply sweat equity, helping build or remodel the home. Check with the HFH website and learn whether your family qualifies for a HFH home in your local community (see references).

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families

Families qualify for Temporary Assistance to Needy Family before receiving or while receiving SSI or SSDI if their income falls within acceptable ranges. The funds for TANF assistance come from the federal government through the Department of Health and Human Services. However, the individual states administer the TANF program. The rules vary from state to state, and you apply with your state's local welfare office for a determination of whether your family qualifies for TANF assistance.

State Services for Vocational Rehabilitation

An individual with a disability can get assistance from his state's vocational rehabilitation, or VR, office. VR helps people get and keep a job. Each individual gets a custom-designed program suited to her particular needs. You can contact your nearest state VR office and a counselor will determine if you qualify for this program. Services typically include access to rehabilitation technology, counseling, an opportunity to attend school for career training, independent living opportunities and other services to support your vocational efforts.

Resources:

"Financial Aid for the Disabled & Their Families, 2006-2008"; Gail Ann Schlachter, et al; April 2006

Social Security Administration: Disability Programs: Benefits for People With Disabilities

Habitat for Humanity; Access to the Dream; Patrick Dunn

Mortgage Loan; Housing and Mortgages for People With Disabilities


References:
University of Washington: College Funding for Students with Disabilities: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)

PASS Plan Help: Scholarships for the disABLEd

Virginia College Quest: Paving the Way: Financial Aid for Students With Disabilities

Social Security Disability: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Habitat for Humanity: Fact Sheet: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)?

Image via WikipediaThe Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, (PBGC), is a U.S. government agency. It protects the retirement incomes of more than 44 million American workers in private-sector defined benefit pension plans. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 created the PBGC for the encouragement of private-sector pension plans. Funding for PBGC comes from insurance premiums paid by employers who sponsor insurance pension plans for their employees -- not by tax dollars.



References:

PBGC; Who We Are: Mission Statement


Resources:

AXA Equitable; Retirement Planning Common Questions: Does the federal government insure pension benefits?; December 2009

U.S. Department of Labor: What You Should Know About Your Retirement Plan

U.S. Department of Labor; Employee Benefits Security Administration: Pension Plans and ERISA; February 2003

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Constitutional Lawyer's Salary

Image via Wikipedia

First page of the Constitution of the United States

A constitutional lawyer's salary varies depending on the employee's education, the employer, the experience of the applicant and employer's location. According to the Degree Finders website, constitutional lawyers specialize in "the laws, relationships and rights that have been established by the Constitution of the United States." The allocation and exercise of government power comes into play in this field.

Salary Expectations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not quote an average salary specifically for constitutional lawyers. Median annual wages for lawyers in general in May of 2008 is $110,590. However, constitutional lawyers typically earn less than other attorneys. The Simply Hired website states that in May of 2011, constitutional lawyer positions that advertised in job postings on their site with the term "constitutional law" averaged $47,000 but they acknowledged a wide salary variation based on multiple factors.The BLS states that nine months after an attorney graduates, the highest salaries ($108,500) go to those in private practice and the lowest salaries ($48,000) go to attorneys working in academic or judicial clerkships. These salaries represent lawyers of all types, however.

Employment Prospects

Job prospects for constitutional lawyers should grow at the same rate as other jobs, according to Degree Finders website. Applicants with an excellent academic record and the best level of experience have the best chance of winning the open positions.

Education Requirements

A bachelor's degree and a law degree are required for the practice of constitutional law. To be accepted into law school the applicant must get a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test, also known as the LSAT. Law students commonly complete internships as a part of their law school program. Before entering practice, constitutional lawyers must pass a written bar examination in the state where they plan to practice law and be admitted to his state’s federal court and the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Role of a Constitutional Lawyer

Constitutional lawyers focus on specific aspects of the U.S. Constitution. They apply constitutional law to a wide spectrum of topics from real estate to civil rights, for instance. It is not uncommon for a constitutional lawyer to present his case in federal courts, such as the U.S. Supreme Court. They consult with clients and fellow lawyers and do research on their cases to assure the important facts of the case are integrated into the court presentation in a timely manner.


References

•Degree Finders; How to Become a Constitutional Lawyer; 2011

•Simply Hired; Average Constitutional Lawyer Salaries; May 2011

•U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook: Lawyers; 2010-11 Edition


Resources

•Education Portal; Constitutional Law Professions: Career and Education Overview

•Super Scholar; Constitutional Lawyer; 2011

10 Top Places To Find FREE Images Online

Image by Byflickr via Flickr



Photography and the Law



Whether you blog, scrapbook, do print newsletters, crafts or other creative projects for home or business, sometimes we need access to FREE images. My "Blogging for Profit" teacher, Tanya Peterson, has written a very helpful guest post for a blog called Family Focus. The article lists ten sources for free photos or clip art. Bookmark this article for future reference. Use these sources to find quality images for free. Thank you, Tanya.



Malinda

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Wisconsin Grant Information & Grants for World War II History

Image via WikipediaEarlier this month, I shared an article exclusively for Malinda Winkle blog visitors about finding grants to start a business in Arizona . As the economy continues to falter, it is important to keep your eye on the horizon for government incentives for business start-ups.

Today, I have two new articles about grant funding. The first covers Wisconsin Grant Information. Find the tools you need to find grant funding for public and private projects in Wisconsin. The second covers Grants for World War II History. Uncover some of your best sources of grant funding for projects associated with World War II history.

If you haven't joined as a follower of the Malinda Winkle blog, please click on the Google Friend Connect box in the right hand panel of this page.

Annuities, Mutual Funds, Social Security and SSI: Make them Work for You

Image via WikipediaOur private investments coupled with Social Security and SSI act as the safety net we depend upon as we approach retirement. Learn important deails about annuities, mutual funds and how social security and disability work. Create a safety net which makes you feel comfortable with as you approach major life goals such as putting your children through college or retiring.

The Average Expense Ratio for Mutual Funds - Learn how to analyze mutual funds with this easy trick.
When Do Social Security Benefits Begin? - If you still think you get to retire at 65, like the old days, read this and weep. Most of those of us who have yet to retire will work past the traditional age 65 for full retirement.
Are Annuities Guaranteed? - Understand how annuities work so you will know if and when they fit into your investment portfolio. Don't buy one just because your insurance agent recommends it.
Is An Immediate Annuity Considered an Asset? - Understand this important distinction. Learn why and when it matters. Annuities hide retirement assets legally in some cases. Learn if an immediate annuity would benefit your financial situation.
SSI Income Limit in Idaho - If you qualify for disability, you qualify to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is administered through Social Security. Idaho residents have specific income limits for SSI.

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• How to Decide if an Annuity is Right for You (money.usnews.com)