I can't pay my bills, how can I find help?

If you need help paying bills, you can call the agencies below for help. Try calling local churches, those you attend and even those you do not. Catholic churches are known for providing assistance to all people, not just their members. Helpful hint: keep track of the names of places and the person’s name you spoke to, in order to follow up. Your case manager will want the contact information for the places you called to get help, whether or not you received the help you were seeking.

We encourage you to contact your case manager. Some assistance places will need a referral from your case manager.

If you live in Pinellas County:
1. Urban League: 727-327-0977
2. We Help: 727-821-1200
3. DayStar: 727-825-0442
4. Pinellas Opportunity Council: 727-822-4492
5. St. Vincent de Paul Society: 727-825-0725
6. Operation Attack: 727-822-1187
7. “He Cares” Ministry: 727-548-1535 (for rental/utility assistance must have appointment)
8. Channel 22, Christian Network: 727-535-5622 (single parent w/children at home only)
9. Pinellas County Human Services (rental vouchers for low income and disabled) Clearwater: 727-564-8400; St. Petersburg: 727-582-7781.

If you live in Hillsborough County:

1. Family Support Services: 813-264-9949

2. Lee Davis Neighborhood Service Center: 813-272-5220

3. Plant City Neighborhood Service Center: 813-757-3871

4. Ruskin Neighborhood Service Center: 813-671-7647

5. University Area Neighborhood Service Center: 813-975-2153

6. West Tampa Neighborhood Service Center: 813-272-5074

7. Salvation Army Family Services Program: 813-226-0055, ext. 300

8. Women, Infants & Children: 813-307-8074

I don't have a car. How can I get to my appointments?

 Unfortunately, resources are extremely limited to help you get around. However, here are a few options:

If you are on Medicaid, please contact Medicaid Cab for medical appointments 727-545-2100.
If you are in a wheelchair, disabled transportation may possibly be available; ask your case manager.
In Pinellas County: You can apply for a disabled bus pass through PSTA. This only costs $4.20 for a month.  Ask your case manager for an application.

In Hillsborough County: Please contact your case manager or Health Care Plan worker for help.   There are actually more options through Ryan White funding than there are in Pinellas.

Where can I go to meet new people?

There are several different options available for social gatherings see below for some examples.

Support Groups:
Metropolitan Charities, Living Loving Learning group, call 727-321-3854 for more information.
ASAP (St. Petersburg) offers several different groups call 727-328-3260 for more information.
Francis House (Tampa) has several meetings, call 813-237-3066 for more information.
THAP (Tampa) has several groups, call 813-407-9033.

Social/Sports Activities:
There are monthly client dinners in St Petersburg and one in Tampa. Ask your case manager for details.
Volunteer with a local charity, such as with Metropolitan Charities, Equality Florida, AIDS Institute, St. Pete PRIDE, Film Festival and many others that need help from someone just like you!
Look in local newspapers or magazines, such as The Watermark, Creative Loafing or TBT for different activities which change often so keeping checking these publications on a regular basis.

Religious Organizations:
King of Peace MCC, St. Petersburg - 727-323-5857
Lakeview Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg - 727-822-0784
Anona United Methodist Church, Clearwater - 727-595-2581
Good Samaritan Church, Pinellas Park - 727-544-8558
Tampa MCC, Tampa - 813-239-1951
John Calvin Presbyterian Church, Tampa - 813-236-0941

I'm on Social Security, how much can I earn while working?

It is important to note that YOU MUST REPORT YOUR EARNINGS TO SOCIAL SECURITY (1-800-772-1213). It is very important to talk honestly with your Case Manager about your earnings, otherwise your Medicaid benefits could be at risk. Medicare benefits will often continue for 36 months even after you go back to work.  Inform your case worker if you have Social Security Disability or Income or both the situations may lead to different outcomes.

Social Security has special rules called "work incentives" that help you keep your cash benefits and Medicare while you test your ability to work. For example, there is a trial work period during which you can receive full benefits regardless of how much you earn, as long as you report your work activity and continue to have a disabling impairment. 

The trial work period continues until you accumulate nine months (not necessarily consecutive) in which you perform what we call ”services" within a rolling 60-month period. We consider your work to be "services" if you earn more than $670 a month in 2008.  For 2007, this amount was $640. 
After the trial work period ends, your benefits will stop for months your earnings are at a level we consider "substantial," currently $940 in 2008. For 2007, this amount was $900.  Different amounts apply to people who are disabled because of blindness. The monthly substantial amount for statutorily blind individuals for 2008 is $1,570; for 2007 this amount was $1,500.

For an additional 36 months after completing the trial work period, we can start your benefits again if your earnings fall below the "substantial" level and you continue to have a disabling impairment. For more information about work incentives, we recommend that you read the leaflet, Working While Disabled-How We Can Help (SSA Publication Number 05-10095).

How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

Disability under Social Security for an adult is based on your inability to work because of a medical condition.  To be considered disabled:
• You must be unable to do work you did before and we decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of a medical condition.
• Your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
Social Security pays only for total disability.  No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
For adults, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled under Social Security. The process considers  any current work activity you are doing, and your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. For more information, we recommend that you read the publication, Disability Benefits (SSA Publication No. 05-10029).

How much can I earn while working if I'm on PAC Waiver?

The PAC Waiver income limit (from all sources) is $1,911 per month or $3822 for 2008.  If you are a PAC client and you think you will earn more than this, talk to your case manager or an attorney about an income trust. It is very important to talk honestly with your Case Manager about your earnings, as you could risk your Medicaid benefits.  Medicare benefits will often continue for 36 months even after you go back to work.

Further, at this time, working at all may jeopardize your PAC eligibility by working at all, since eligibility is dependent on a diagnosis of disability due to illness or other condition.

Where can I find legal help?

Free legal may be available, below are some common requests:
• Making a will
• Setting up guardianship for your children
• Making a Living Will
• Establishing Power of Attorney
• Filing an appeal with Social Security

THERE IS NO HIV SPECIFIC FUNDING FOR LEGAL SERVICES AS OF 3-1-08 through the Ryan White program in the Tampa Bay area.

(Note: These organizations do NOT help with criminal matters.)
1.  Pinellas County:  Community Law Program 724-323-7712
2.  Pinellas & Hillsborough Counties:  Bay Area Legal Services 813-232-1343

Where can I get eyeglasses or an eye exam?

Most Lens Crafters offices provide help. Check your local phone directory. A case manager referral may be needed.
You can also try the Pinellas Lion's Club: 727-893-7101

Where do I report changes to my name, address, income, or other changes?

The agencies that provide your income need to be notified as soon as possible if you make any changes to your personal information. Also, it is very important to call your doctors, providers and case manager! Below are just a few agencies you should contact first.

Social Security Administration:  1-800-772-1213
Florida Medicaid (DCF):  1-866-76ACCES (1-866-762-2237).
United States Post Office: Best done online www.usps.com or contact your local post office

How can I find doctors who take Medicaid?  What services does Medicaid cover?

Please call the Medicaid Resources Office; they will be able to answer these questions for you.
Pinellas County:  727-552-1191 x130
Hillsborough County:  813-871-7600 x125

Help - I have lost my Medicaid Card, now what do I do?

To get a replacement card, call the Medicaid/Department of Children & Families Customer Service line at 1-866-76ACCES (1-866-762-2237).

I'm so frustrated with the lack of services. Why are certain services disappearing?

Why is anything cut or lacking? - NO MONEY! The government is tightening its money belt and making decisions on how the tax money is used. Often the government makes decisions without hearing from YOU! You are the best person to decide what is important for you!  Make your voice heard if you want a service that isn't funded. You can contact your elected official or write a letter to the editor of your favorite local newspaper. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! To make things easy to get started below are some contact names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mails.

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N. W.
Washington, DC 20500
Comments Phone:  202-456-1111
E-Mail:  comments@whitehouse.gov

Senator Mel Martinez
United States Senate
356 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone:  202-224-3041
E-Mail: go to http://martinez.senate.gov/public/  and follow prompts

Senator Bill Nelson
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone:  202-224-5274
E-Mail:  http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Representative Gus Bilirakis (9th District)
1630 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-5755 (Washington)
Phone: 727-773-2871 (Palm Harbor)
Phone: 813-985-8541 (Tampa)
E-Mail:  http://www.house.gov/formbilirakis/issue_subscribe.htm

Representative C.W. Bill Young (10th District)
2407 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone:  202-225-5961 (Washington)
Phone: 727-893-3191 (St. Petersburg)
E-Mail:  Bill.Young@mail.house.gov  

Representative Kathy Castor (11th District)
317 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-3376 (Washington)
Phone: 813-871-2817 (Tampa)
E-Mail:  go to http://castor.house.gov –go to CONTACT and follow prompts

I'm tired of other people making choices for me, how can I get involved?

One of the best ways to get involved is to participate in the Ryan White CARE Council. This is the local group of clients, providers and concerned people who decide what services to fund and how much money the services will get. There are many more committees and ways to participate. For more information contact the Health Councils at 727-217-7070.