September 28, 2022 @ Friendswood Library, Friendswood, Texas
Overview
The meeting was opened with a review of Workspace #1 & Workspace #2.
Activities
1. We started by reviewing the Medical Sections in the Life Plan for Loved Ones binder.
- It starts with a Current Medical Summary with a list of conditions your Loved One is receiving medical or therapeutic care for and a Medication list.
- It concludes with a Medical History made up of a list of Surgeries and Diagnostic tests and a list of Conditions that have been resolved.
2. We also talked about having a Will and a Special Needs Trust drafted. Resources in our area include:
- Lisa Wilson who has a special needs daughter and works at Hayes-Wilson Law
- Hegwood Law
- Consolidated Planning Group
Resources
1. Adding a health condition that may impede communication to the information seen when a police officer pulls up info using a state ID or DL.
Texas Transportation Code §521.125 allows the Texas Department of Public Safety to include a notice on a driver license or identification card of those who indicate they have a health condition that may impede their ability to communicate with a peace officer.
The health condition must be supported by a written statement (Physician’s Statement form DL-101) from a licensed physician and presented at the driver license office during the scheduled appointment before the communication impediment indicator may be included on the driver license or identification card.
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/communication-impediment-peace-officer
2. Lifeline
Since we discussed the Affordable Connectivity Program last time, a question came up about getting a free phone and service through QLink Wireless.
The questions we had as a group were:
What is Lifeline and how do I qualify? Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs. Find out if you are eligible by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org (click “Do I Qualify?”).
If I already receive Lifeline benefits will I automatically receive the Affordable Connectivity Program? No. You must opt-in with your existing provider or request enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program program with a participating internet provider and chose an eligible service plan. You can choose to receive the benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.
Can I receive both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline benefits at the same time? Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordable Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-consumer-faq
QLink is just one way to access the Lifeline program. You can apply online and have the Lifeline discount applied to your current mobile phone bill.
The Lifeline program is designed to help qualified low-income individuals pay the monthly cost of basic telephone service.
A resident is qualified if the current total household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. A resident is also qualified if they are currently receiving: Medicaid, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program support, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Health Benefit Coverage under Child Health Plan (CHIP) under Chapter 62 support, National School Lunch Program – Free Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Number in Household Annual Income (150%) 1 $19,320 2 $26,130 3 $32,940 4 $39,750 5 $46,560 6 $53,370 7 $60,180 8 $66,990 Each additional add $6,810 Lifeline reduces the basic monthly telephone rate up to $12.75 for those who qualify. This program does not cover the cost of additional services such as caller ID or voice messaging. In addition, a reduction for installation of local telephone service may be available to these customers through the Link-Up program.
http://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/lowincome/Assistance.aspx
Caregiver's Workspace 