| Volume 8 | Issue 7 | February 18, 2008 |
Welcome to Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., published weekly by The Arc of the United States. We will bring to you news of interest to self advocates and their families, volunteers, professionals, and supporters of the disability movement. Please send any comments to mmwdc@thearc.org. You are welcome to reproduce and distribute items from Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., but please credit Monday Morning in Washington, D.C. (The Arc of the United States, 2007).
The Arc of the United States advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities; and influence public policy.
[NOTE: Having trouble reading this newsletter? Read it online.] [Past Issues]
[nectac-enotes] NECTAC eNotes - February 15, 2008 - http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
Governors' 2008 State of the State Speeches and Pre-K Education
Source: National Institute for Early Education Research - February 14, 2008
The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has published a list of 17 governors who have already emphasized a commitment to preschool education in their 2008 State of the State speeches. It is available online at http://nieer.org/pdf/stateofstate2008.pdf
Not all governors have presented their speeches at this time. To view a complete list of 2008 speeches with links to those that have already occurred go to http://www.stateline.org/live/static/State_of_the_state_speeches
New Research on the Effects of Home and Preschool Experiences on Educational Attainment
Source: Journal of Social Science - Retrieved February 15, 2008
A new study published in the March 2008 issue of the Journal of Social Science examines the influence of certain aspects of home and preschool variables on children's literacy and numeracy achievement at school entry and at the end of the 3rd year of school. The results suggest that while family factors such as parents' education and socioeconomic status are important, the home learning environment (HLE) exerts a greater and independent influence on educational attainment. The HLE was only moderately associated with SES and parents' educational levels. The report also suggests that specific preschool experiences matter, particularly when the preschool center works closely with parents. For more information go to http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2008.00550.x
Full citation: Melhuish, E., Phan, M., Sylva, K., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I., & Taggart, B. (2008). Effects of the Home Learning Environment and Preschool Center Experience upon Literacy and Numeracy Development in Early Primary School. Journal of Social Issues, 64(1) , 95–114. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4560.2008.00550.x
New GAO Report on Head Start
Source: Government Accountability Office - February 12, 2008
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released the following report: Head Start: A More Comprehensive Risk Management Strategy and Data Improvements Could Further Strengthen Program Oversight.
Full report - http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-221
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08221high.pdf
The HEATH Resource Center - The George Washington University
University to Implement Disability Counseling
<http://www.yaledailynews.com/articles/view/23499%20> (Yale Daily News, CT) Students with disabilities may have an added incentive to choose Yale over its rivals - at least by the time 2013 rolls around. When it implements a new "peer mentors" program as part of its reform of the freshman counselor system in fall 2009, Yale will be the first Ivy League school to provide student-to-student guidance geared specifically toward freshmen with physical, mental and learning disabilities. Although Yale's Resource Office on Disabilities already matches students who identify themselves as disabled with one another informally, the new program will likely institutionalize a support system, although details of the changes are still not, Office Director Judy York said.
[nectac-enotes] Professional Development Opportunities
Routines-Based Interview (RBI) Certification Institute
The Routines-Based Interview Certification Institute will be presented by Dr. Robin McWilliam August 4-8, 2008 at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. It will include demonstrations, practice, feedback, and written materials. The purpose of the training is to have a trained group of people who can also train others to conduct the RBI which has been shown to improve the functionality of outcomes on the IFSP as well as family satisfaction with the IFSP process. For more information please visit http://www.vanderbiltchildrens.com/rbi
Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) Online Courses
CEED is offering a variety of online courses that are self-paced with online discussion and participation guided by instructors. Each course is accompanied by its own interactive CD-ROM containing course content, video clips, course notes, and information on supplemental readings. For more details about the courses offered, including registration information, go to http://cehd.umn.edu/ceed/coursesandtrainings/#courses
Behavior Guidance, Mental Health, or Child Development and Red Flags courses from the Center for Inclusive Child Care
For those seeking to increase their professional development skills and the ability to deliver new training workshops, here is an opportunity to take Behavior Guidance, Mental Health, or Child Development and Red Flags courses online through the Center for Inclusive Child Care, Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Contact Cindy Croft at croft@csp.edu (651-603-6265) for more information or go to http://www.inclusivechildcare.org/learning-tot.html. Complete course descriptions are available at http://www.inclusivechildcare.org/DOCS/CICC-2007-Training_of_Trainer_Courses.pdf
ZERO TO THREE Webinar Series
ZERO TO THREE's Policy Center announces the launch of a series of webinars/web-based conference calls for state policymakers, early childhood advocates, and infant and toddler professionals across the country. Four webinars will be held through September 2008 with support from the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The first webinar, on February 28, will focus on creating, revising, and implementing Early Learning Guidelines for infants and toddlers. Registration information is available online at https://zerotothree.webex.com/
The SIS Vantage Newsletter-Volume 3, Issue 1
Click here to read all the news and the Newsletter - http://www.siswebsite.org/cs/root/main/news/news_press_releases
REFERENCE POINTS:
Conference and Workshop Updates Added to the TATRA Website
REFERENCE POINTS is an activity of TATRA, a project of PACER Center
REFERENCE POINTS Conference and workshop updates feature NEW additions to the listing of transition related national and regional conferences maintained on PACER Center's TATRA Project web site. To see our complete calendar of events, please visit us at http://www.pacer.org/tatra/calendar.asp.
More Education Pays Off, As Do Certain Fields of Training
The field that students pursue in their higher education can have as dramatic an effect on earnings as the level of education, according to a series of data tables recently released from the U.S. Census Bureau. According to data collected from June 2004 through September 2004 in the Survey of Income and Program Participation, workers who held vocational certificates in engineering averaged about $3,880 a month, which is nearly the same as those with bachelor's degrees in natural science. Likewise, those with associate's degrees in computers averaged about $3,760 a month, which is close to those with bachelor's degrees in education or social science. The Census Bureau tables from the 2004 Survey of Income and Program Participation are available online at http://www.census.gov/population/www/socdemo/fld-of-trn.html . These tables examine the relationship between field of training for post-secondary degree holders and monthly earnings. They present data on the average years taken to start and complete various degrees and on occupation of workers by educational attainment and field of degree.
Source: US Census Bureau News: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/011392.html
National Council on Disability to Make Recommendations on Youth with Disabilities in the Foster Care System
WASHINGTON—The National Council on Disability (NCD) will release its latest report titled, Youth with Disabilities in the Foster Care System: Barriers to Success and Proposed Policy Solutions, at a news conference at 1:00 p.m. February 26, 2008, at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 505A, Washington, DC. This event is open to the public and the media and free of charge.
The goal for our country’s youth is to live healthy, happy lives and to become self-sufficient, contributing members of society as adults. However, there are subsets of youth who cannot reach these goals with ease. These youth need additional supports to assist them in their journey toward a healthy adulthood, as they are more vulnerable than the “average” youth and thus are more apt to fall through the cracks during their journey. Youth development researchers have determined that some specific youth populations are more vulnerable than others. This report examines one exceptionally challenged group in particular: older youth (specifically, preteen through young adult) with disabilities who are in the foster care system.
NCD is an independent federal agency and is composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. We provide advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that—
(A) guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and
(B) empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
For more information, please contact NCD’s director of external affairs, Mark S. Quigley, at mquigley@ncd.gov or by telephone at 202-272-2004.
Mark S. Quigley, Director of External Affairs, National Council on Disability, 1331 F Street, NW Suite 850, Washington, DC 20004, 202-272-2008, 202-272-2022 fax, www.ncd.gov
hcbs.org > Clearinghouse CLIPS: February 14, 20082007 Profile of Older Americans
Summary: This report is an annual summary of the latest statistics on the older population of the United States. It covers 16 topical areas including population, income and poverty, living arrangements, education, and health.
Topic(s): Aging Issues
Source: Administration on Aging
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2163
ACT Peer Support Evaluation Findings
Summary: Fifty-nine participants in three cohorts of training for ACT Peer Support Specialist (PSS) were surveyed on the last day of their training on a number of outcome variables, including current employment status. Participants were asked about motivations for training and seeking employment as a peer support specialist, quality of life, and empowerment. Review the survey questions and results
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Mental Health, Peer Supports
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2144
Disability and Aging Database Policy on Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria - Ohio
Summary: ConnectMeOhio.org (CMO) is Ohio’s statewide online access point for information pertaining to aging and disability services. This document describes its policy to define the kind of provider that can list their services on the website. Comprehensive lists of inclusion and exclusion guidelines are included.
Topic(s): Resource Center, State/Agency Information
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2162
Emergency Response Preparedness Self Assessment Instrument
Summary: Following the Gulf Coast Hurricane disasters in 2005, the NASDDDS Emergency Response Preparedness Self Assessment Instrument was developed to assist state developmental disabilities officials evaluate the extent to which their existing preparedness plans address the unique characteristics and needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities during periods of emergency. A link to the website includes the assessment tool and resources and allows you to watch a product demo.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Organizational Change, Physical Disabilities, Quality
Source: National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2161
Going to Work: Disability and Business, a Winning Combination Forums - Outreach Materials
Summary: Presented by the Kolb Foundation for Disability Education, this series of forums was designed to serve as a resource for people with disabilities throughout Nebraska to learn about opportunities to work without jeopardizing their health care coverage and to promote self-sufficiency. Included are press releases, a flyer and an employer letter about the events.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Employment, Physical Disabilities, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Nebraska
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2156
Illness and Management Recovery Training Overview and Presentation: New Hampshire
Summary: Also known as IMR, this program's goals are to develop and review personal goals and strategies to deal with Mental Illness. It introduces the concept of "recovery" and encourages people to develop their own definitions of personal strategies. The brochure and presentation offer a program overview.
PowerPoint slides of New Hampshire's Illness and Management Recovery Training from June 2007.
Topic(s): Mental Health
Source: Grantee produced, New Hampshire
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2150
Impact of Poverty on Employment Training - Conference Materials
Summary: Two trainings, presented in 2005 by the Nebraska Health and Human Services Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, provided information on how poverty relates to disability. Included are the registration and agenda sheets. Nebraska Health and Human Services Website is also provided.
Topic(s): Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities
Source: Grantee produced, Nebraska
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2157
Intake and Referral Form: Ohio ADRC
Summary: What questions should be asked when someone first contacts and ADRC? Ohio’s Aging and Disability Resource Network has provided this example of their Intake and Referral Form. Questions address contact information, income, employment, disability, insurance, benefits, and living arrangements. There is also space for referent information.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Resource Center, State/Agency Information
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2164
Job Descriptions for Peer Support Programs
Summary: What are the roles and definitions of those involved in peer support?The Ohio Coordinating Center for ACT's has developed a number of Job Description (Case Manager, Peer Specialist, Psychiatrist, Registered Nurse, Substance Abuse Team Member, Team Leader, Vocational Team Member). Review the suggested guidelines and requirements.
Topic(s): Mental Health, Peer Supports
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2147
Palliative Care Program Outreach Materials & Forms
Summary: The Ticket to Work Palliative Care program is a demonstration project to provide palliative care interventions to help Nebraskans with disabilities address pain, symptoms and psychosocial issues that create a barrier to employment. Included are the Pilot Application Cover Letter, Consent Form and Assessment Forms. The website for Nebraska Ticket to Work is also attached.
Topic(s): Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information
Source: Grantee produced, Nebraska Ticket to Work
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2155
Peer Support and ACT Presentations
Summary: Review the presentation slides from Ohio's Coordinating Center for Act. Topics include an overview of Peer Support, Setting Boundaries and Guarding Against Dual Relations. The presentation also includes examples of programs in six other states.
Topic(s): Mental Health, Peer Supports
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2148
Peer Support Training Manual - Ohio Advocates for Mental Health
Summary: This collection of materials comprises a short course for consumers to further peer support among individuals, to gain skills for use as Peer Support Specialists, to advance the use of warm lines and
partnering activities, and to form and sustain peer support groups. The expectation is that people giving and taking this course will have heightened awareness of effective communication skills and resources to assist them as they provide peer support.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Mental Health, Peer Supports, Physical Disabilities, Resource Center
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2142
The Contribution of Self-Direction to Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services
Summary: This report focuses on adults with severe mental illness served by the public mental health system. It aims to identify and describe the range of self-directed care programs for this group being pursued by states and bring together existing evidence relating to the impact of these programs on individuals and on state resources. In doing so, it attempts to contribute to the ongoing debate about effective strategies for improving the quality and outcomes of the public mental health system.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Mental Health
Source: ASPE, Office of Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Policy
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2152
Ticket to Work Outreach Materials - Nebraska
Summary: See a variety of outreach materials from Nebraska’s Ticket to Work Program. Included are flyers, letters, guides, brochures and media announcements. Additionally, a link to Nebraska’s Ticket to Work Website is provided.
Topic(s): Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Nebraska Ticket to Work
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2153
Ticket to Work Promotional Products - Nebraska
Summary: See a variety of promotional products produced by Nebraska’s Ticket to Work Program. View their ideas for give-aways and products including mug labels, post-it notes, envelopes, magnets and more. Additionally, Personal Assistance Services (PAS) products are included, and Nebraska Ticket to Work Program’s Website is attached.
Topic(s): Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Consumer Exchange, Nebraska Ticket to Work
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2154
You Don't Have To Act Alone
Summary: Ohio Coordinating Center for ACT published this white paper, subtitled Using Peer Support to Enhance ACT Teams. The publication offers definitions, implementation suggestions and list of barriers. The guide was edited by consumers, providers and other stakeholders and disseminated at the 2007 CMS national conference.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Mental Health, Resource Center
Source: Grantee produced, Ohio
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2145
Youth Employment Solutions – Project YES!
Summary: Youth Employment Solutions – Project YES! – is a systems change project funded by the Nebraska Health and Human Services System through Nebraska’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant. The purpose of Project YES! is to increase the competitive employment of Nebraska’s SSI, SSDI, and CDB eligible youth in transition. A summary of the purpose of Project YES! is included, and the Community Team Summary from 2006 is attached.
Topic(s): Children and Family Services, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: CMS
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2158
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services' National
Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) is funding
eight separate Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs). Over $8
million in public funds will be made available in nine awards, ranging from
$300,000 to $1,000,000 per award.
Each DRRP has its own priority as follows:
Information pertaining to all eight grants is as follows:
Application Deadline: April 1, 2008.
Eligible Applicants: States; public and private agencies and organizations;
institutes of higher education; Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
Estimated Available Funds: $8,876,00.
Contact information:
Donna Nangle,
Department of Education,
400 Maryland Avenue, SW.,
Room 6029, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202,
Telephone: 202-245-7462,
TDD: 1-800-877-8339,
Email: donna.nangle@ed.gov
Or go to: http://tinyurl.com/2q5qhv
The Advocacy Institute - http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/index.shtmlDetails and easy online order available here ... - http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/shop/spring08.html
One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project - http://www.onestoptoolkit.org
ACTION: Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment 2008
Department of Health and Human Services - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Funding Opportunity No.: HHS-2008-CMS-TTWD-0003
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. (CFDA): 93.769
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/TWWIIA/09_DMIE.asp#TopOfPage
[It is also posted on grants.gov, just do a search for “Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment” under Find Grant Opportunities.]
DATES: Closing date for receipt of proposals is March 15, 2008
SUMMARY: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is soliciting proposals from states to participate in the Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment. This demonstration, created by section 204 of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170), allows states to provide benefits, equivalent to those provided by Medicaid, to the categorically needy, to workers who have physical or mental impairments that, without medical assistance, will likely result in disability.
The demonstration was created to further the overall goals of the legislation by demonstrating the value of providing health care benefits and other services to support individuals with disabilities in employment and independence. Outcomes that the demonstration seeks to measure include: reliance on cash benefits, employment status, changes in health status, cost of health care, and quality of life.
This demonstration grant provides an opportunity to investigate the question: can a program of medical assistance and other supports forestall or prevent the loss of employment and independence due to a potentially disabling and medically determinable physical or mental impairment? CMS, within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), will approve a number of demonstration projects that meet the requirements specified in the grant solicitation.
The overall purpose of the demonstration, to provide Medicaid equivalent services to working people with a condition that is likely to lead to a disability, must also remain intact.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: All states are eligible to participate in the Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment. For purposes of this program, "state" is defined as any entity qualified to submit a Medicaid state plan under title XIX of the Act.
Demonstration proposals must be submitted by the Single State Medicaid Agency and funds will be distributed only to the Single State Medicaid Agency. States are limited to one overall Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment proposal. A state may choose to work with other states to ensure a larger study population. In this instance, each state should describe its portion of the project and indicate the broader partnership in the narrative section of the state's application.
A state may also choose to partner with a foundation, university, Federal agency, or other entity that is willing to pay part or all of the cost for demonstration administration or services after the FMAP is applied. While these partnerships are allowable, demonstration funding will still be distributed only to the Single State Medicaid Agency. 6
FUNDING INFORMATION: Funding for the Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment may be distributed through 2009, and $250 million in funding has been appropriated for the program. There is no minimum or maximum grant award per state or per project; however, CMS reserves the right to negotiate the size of any demonstration project proposed by a state. Medical assistance costs, as defined in sec. 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (the Act), will be reimbursed quarterly at a rate equal to the state’s Federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). All other necessary expenses associated with the demonstration will be paid quarterly with 100 percent Federal funds. For example, if the state can demonstrate that providing a non-medical assistance service constitutes reasonable and necessary administrative expenses, e.g., vocational counseling services, CMS can fully fund these services. There is no other match requirement associated with this demonstration.
Access the URL to download the full solicitation, which includes more detailed information plus application and submission information.
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - http://www.hhs.gov/faq/medicaremedicaid/85.html
ANSWER
Medicare is an insurance program. Medical bills are paid from trust funds which those covered have paid into. It serves people over 65 primarily, whatever their income; and serves younger disabled people and dialysis patients. Patients pay part of costs through deductibles for hospital and other costs. Small monthly premiums are required for non-hospital coverage. Medicare is a federal program. It is basically the same everywhere in the United States and is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, an agency of the federal government.
Medicaid is an assistance program. Medical bills are paid from federal, state and local tax funds. It serves low-income people of every age. Patients usually pay no part of costs for covered medical expenses. A small co-payment is sometimes required. Medicaid is a federal-state program. It varies from state to state. It is run by state and local governments within federal guidelines.
For more information regarding Medicare and its components, please go to www.medicare.gov. For more information on Medicaid, please go to www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation Publishes Special Issue on Ticket to Work
http://iospress.metapress.com/link.asp?id=l47v3n551063 (Access the URL to learn how you may purchase this issue)
A special issue of the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation (volume 27, number 2, 2007), titled "Ticket to Success? Early Findings from the Ticket to Work Evaluation," summarizes the early implementation experiences and impacts of the Ticket to Work (TTW) program. The program, together with other initiatives created by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, attempts to develop a new employment services marketplace to increase the level and mix of employment support services for people who receive disability benefit payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Rather than setting up a single training program, TTW includes payment mechanisms designed to induce employment-service providers to increase the supply of programs and the range of approaches. The special issue contains six papers that provide an early picture of both the potential for the TTW program and the challenges involved with reaching this potential.
Economic Stimulus Package
The following information is from the IRS site that gives the latest update on the economic stimulus package that was signed into law yesterday. Many of you have asked about the impact to benefits of these payments. The last sentence clarifies this: "In addition, the IRS emphasizes the stimulus payments will not count toward or negatively impact any other income-based government benefits, such as Social Security benefits, food stamps and other programs."
In order to qualify, an individual must have at least $3,000.00 of qualifying income. Qualifying income includes Title II benefits, but does not include SSI.
Pasted below is the latest information available. I received the link from a Social Security announcement. At the end of the email is a link to the site.
Facts about the 2008 Stimulus Payments
FS-2008-15, February 2008
Starting in May, the Treasury will begin sending economic stimulus payments to more than 130 million individuals. The stimulus payments will go out through the late spring and summer.
The vast majority of Americans who qualify for an economic stimulus payment will not have to do anything other than file their 2007 individual income tax return to receive their payment this year. They will not have to complete applications, file any extra forms or call the Internal Revenue Service to request the payment, which is automatic. The IRS will determine eligibility, figure the amount and issue the payment.
Stimulus payments will be direct deposited for taxpayers selecting that option when filing their 2007 tax returns. Taxpayers who have already filed with direct deposit won't need to do anything else to receive the stimulus payment. For taxpayers who haven't filed their 2007 returns yet, the IRS reminds them that direct deposit is the fastest way to get both regular refunds and stimulus payments.
Basic Eligibility
The IRS will use the 2007 tax return to determine eligibility and calculate the basic amount of the payment. In most cases, the payment will equal the amount of tax liability on the return with a maximum amount of $600 for individuals ($1,200 for taxpayers who file a joint return) and a minimum of $300 for individuals ($600 for taxpayers who file a joint return).
Even those who have little or no tax liability may qualify for a minimum payment of $300 ($600 if filing a joint return) if their tax return reflects $3,000 or more in qualifying income. For the purpose of the stimulus payments, qualifying income consists of earned income such as wages and net self-employment income as well as Social Security or certain Railroad Retirement benefits and veterans' disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits received from the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2007. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.
Low-income workers who have earned income above $3,000 but do not have a regular filing requirement must file a 2007 tax return to receive the minimum stimulus payment. Similarly, Social Security recipients, certain Railroad retirees, and those who receive the veterans' benefits mentioned above must file a 2007 return in order to notify the IRS of their qualifying income.
The IRS emphasized that people with no filing requirement who turn in a tax return to qualify for the economic stimulus payment will not get a tax bill. People in this category will not owe money because of the stimulus payment.
Additional Payments for Parents and Others with Qualifying Children
Parents and anyone else eligible for a stimulus payment will also receive an additional $300 for each qualifying child. To qualify, a child must be eligible under the Child Tax Credit and have a valid Social Security Number.
Limitation
To be eligible for a stimulus payment, taxpayers must have valid Social Security Numbers. Anyone who does not have a valid Social Security Number, including those who file using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) or any other identification number issued by the IRS is not eligible for this payment.
Both individuals listed on a married filing jointly return must have valid Social Security Numbers to qualify for a stimulus payment.
Eligibility for the stimulus payment is subject to maximum income limits. The payment, including the basic amount and the amount for qualifying children, will be reduced by 5 percent of the amount of income in excess of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for those with a Married Filing Jointly filing status.
Individuals who pay no tax and who have less than $3,000 of qualifying income will not be eligible for the stimulus payment.
Special Circumstances for Recipients of Social Security, Railroad Retirement and Certain Veterans Benefits
Individuals who receive Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans' benefits may have to follow special filing requirements in order to receive the basic amount:
Notices
Most taxpayers will receive two notices from the IRS. The first general notice from the IRS will explain the stimulus payment program. The second notice will confirm the recipients' eligibility, the payment amount and the approximate time table for the payment. Taxpayers will need to save this notice to assist them when they prepare their 2008 tax return next year.
Anyone who moves after they have filed their 2007 tax return should notify the IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, and also notify the Post Office.
Exclusions
Individuals who file Form 1040NR, 1040PR or 1040SS are not eligible for the stimulus payments. These returns are normally filed by Nonresident Aliens, residents of Puerto Rico and residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Residents of U.S. possessions will be receiving their rebates directly from the possessions.
Also ineligible are individuals who can be claimed as dependents on someone else's return.
Dividends, interest and capital gains income is not included when determining qualifying income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment. Also not included in qualifying income are non-veterans or non-Social Security pension income (such as those from Individual Retirement Accounts).
Stimulus payments will be subject to offset against outstanding tax and non-tax liabilities in the same fashion as regular tax refunds.
In addition, the IRS emphasizes the stimulus payments will not count toward or negatively impact any other income-based government benefits, such as Social Security benefits, food stamps and other programs. http://www.irs.gov/irs/article/0,,id=177937,00.html There is considerably more information about the Stimulus Package than listed above.
OMB
Citizens' Guide
The Department of the Treasury and the
Office of Management and Budget has issued the first-ever "Citizens' Guide" highlighting certain important short and
long-term financial information in the 2007 Financial Report of the
United States Government. The U.S. Government Accountability Office,
which audits the U.S. government's consolidated financial statements
included in the Financial Report, has for some time urged the creation
of a user-friendly summary report, one that policymakers and the
American people are likely to read and understand.
The Citizen's Guide can be found at
http://www.gao.gov/financial/fy2007financialreport.html
DisabilityInfo.gov
General Access Update: FTA Office of Civil Rights
The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) offers information on how to file an ADA discrimination complaint, grants and funding, eligibility requirements for paratransit services and a toll-free assistance line (1-888-446-4511) to get answers to questions about accessibility requirements for public transportation for people with disabilities. This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=128.
New Products added to the Quality Mall
"Linking payment to long-term care quality: Can direct care staffing measures build the foundation?" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4254
"Montana Providers of Adult Developmental Disabilities Services: Direct service staff demographics, job characteristics and job satisfaction" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4275
"Measuring long-term care work: A guide to selected instruments to examine direct care worker experience and outcomes" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4281
"Finding and Keeping Direct Care Staff" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4356
"Creating a Culture of Retention: A Coaching Approach to Praprofessional Supervision" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4357
"Labor Force Expansion Through Retention of Related Caregivers" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4362
"Coaching Supervision: Introductory Skills for Supervisors in Home and Residential Care" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4377
"What the Silenced Say: An Evening with Jonathan Mooney" - http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4380
"Help Wanted 2: Recruiting and retaining the next generation of human services workers in Massachusetts" - http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4387
"Caregiving Across the States Interactive Database" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4391
"The Role of Training in Improving the Recruitment and Retention of Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Care" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4393
"The Right Start" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4395
The MouseTrial Autism Software Database
http://www.mousetrial.com/autism_software_database.php is a free resource for parents and professionals listing all kinds of software for autism treatment.
Please drop me an email to dan@mousetrial.com if you have any suggestions for new database entries (or for any comments, ideas, or bug-reports).
kind regards,
Dan Welchman
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Until Next week
The Arc of the United States,1010 Wayne Avenue, Ste. 650,Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-565-3842, Fax: 301-565-3843, Email: mmwdc@info.thearc.org, Web: www.thearc.org
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