New England Index Finance resources


A News-brief about the Massachusetts Network of Information Providers for People with Disabilities

August 20, 2009

Financial Resources

MNIP News' "Financial Resources" is the eighth weekly issue of resources by topic shared by fellow information & referral specialists at the MNIP regional meetings. The next MNIP newsletter issue will be available in two weeks on September 3rd.

The full report of the MNIP 2009 regional meetings can be found at www.tinyurl.com/MNIPReport.

  The report includes the full listing of helpful resources, by category, identified by members attending the meetings.

During these difficult economic times, one of the more frequent requests information specialist receive are those for financial assistance. Beyond the regular assistance provided by Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), there is precious little money available for people with disabilities.

MADIL Quick Guide - Financial Resources Links

MNIP Benefits Fact Sheet


provides information on EAEDC (Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children), Food Stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI and SSDI programs.

MNIP Financial Resources (Possible) Fact Sheet
Lists charitable organizations that may be of financial assistance.

Local Churches
Callers are encouraged to call churches in the community.

      A Friend in Need / South Acton Congregation Church
      (978) 266-1663
      A Friend in Need provides one-time financial help per year to families and individuals in the Acton/Boxborough/Maynard area whose circumstances have left them with an immediate need for assistance with necessities such as food, housing or heat.

      Boston Church Directory
      The Boston Church Directory lists the Christian churches located within the city limits of Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline.

Local City / Town Hall Directory
Many cities and towns have social service departments which may be of assistance. To find what your community offers, call your city or town hall.

"Elder Care Fund"
has small amount of financial resources for those over 60 for things such as fuel assistance, utility bills, etc.
http://www.oc-elderly.org/ (800) 242-0246 x 276 or (508) 584-1561

Camps - Financial Aid

  • Locate camp - Talk directly to director for financial aid.
  • Family Ties has "Planning Summer Fun for Children with Special Needs" handout (by Mary Castro Summers, Director of Family Ties) which gives some creative ideas to help defray the cost of summer programs.
  • No child denied services for camps at Easter Seals due to financial hardship.
  • Child Care Connection Camp Resource Guide available at http://www.cccfscm.org

Autism Cares

AutismCares helps families affected by autism to cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as; housing, utilities, car repair, daycare, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis. Families must complete an online application and identify vendor(s) to be covered by the award. Support awards cannot exceed a total of $1,500 per family.
Online Application