TEN_12-21.pdf

ETA Advisory File Text

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT NOTICE NO. 12-21 DATE October 15 2021 EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WASHINGTON D.C. 20210 TO STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES STATE WORKFORCE ADMINISTRATORS STATE WORKFORCE LIAISONS STATE AND LOCAL WORKFORCE BOARD CHAIRS DIRECTORS STATE LABOR COMMISSIONERS STATE APPRENTICESHIP AGENCIES STATE DIRECTORS OF THE OFFICE OF APPRENTICESHIP DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVES LOCAL VETERANS EMPLOYMENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM ANGELA HANKS Acting Assistant SecretarySUBJECT Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 1.Purpose. To provide a resource guide to workforce investment practitioners who assist jobseekers in finding and applying for financial assistance and other supportive services. 2.Action Requested. Use and share the practitioners guide to help ensure all jobseekers searching for work beginning new employment or entering training can find and apply for the assistance they need for economic stability. 3.Summary and Background. a.Summary This practitioners guide describes available resources including pandemic related emergency services useful in helping workforce program customers gain economic stability. b.Background The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Section 134 c 2 and its regulations at 20 CFR 678.430 describe career services including providing usable and understandable information on supportive services and assistance. Further WIOA Adult Dislocated Worker and Youth programs and many DOi-funded competitive grant programs allow program funds to be used directly for supportive services. Many workforce development practitioners are experienced at helping customers find appropriate supportive services particularly in their local community. This guide comprehensively lists nationally-available programs and those newly created in response to the pandemic. Additional supportive services will exist in local communities from state or local governments or nonprofit community-based or faith-based organizations and strong partnerships between workforce programs and partner programs can holistically support jobseekers and learners. 2 4.Practitioners Guide for Supportive Services. This guide aims to assist workforce professionals quickly and accurately locate emergency and long-term resources for workforce program customers to gain economic stability. It includes information on rental assistance supports for utilities and broadband child care the child tax credit earned income tax credit nutrition and food security health care resources and legal aid among others. Additional information on supportive services is also available on the Department of Labor s technical assistance platform for workforce practitioners at Workforce GPS. 5.Inquiries. The guide includes links to online information for most services. Please direct any other inquiries to the appropriate ETA Regional Office. 6.References. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act WIOA Pub. L. 113-128 July 22 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Final Rule WIOA DOL Final Rule published at 81 FR 56071 August 19 2016 specifically 20 C.F.R. parts 680 and 687 Training and Employment Guidance Letter TEGL 19-16 Guidance on Services Provided through the Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act WIOA and the Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service 12 ES as amended by title III of WIOA and for Implementation of the WIOA Final Rules dated March 1 2017 https wdr.doleta.gov directives corr doc.cfm DOCN 3851 TEGL 12-19 National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance dated March 18 2020 https wdr.doleta.gov directives corr doc.cfm DOCN 9054 TEGL 12-19 Change 1 Change 1 to TEGL 12-19 National Dislocated Worker Grant Program Guidance dated November 2 2020 https wdr.doleta.gov directives corr doc.cfm DOCN 5028. 7.Attachment. Attachment I - Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 1 Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services This guide aims to assist workforce professionals quickly and accurately locate emergency and long-term resources for workforce program customers to gain economic stability. It includes information on rental assistance supports for utilities and broadband childcare the child tax credit earned income tax credit nutrition and food security health care resources and legal aid among others. Additional information on supportive services is also available on the Department of Labor s technical assistance platform for workforce practitioners at Workforce GPS. Traditionally workforce development practitioners are aware of and know how to access supportive services. This resource guide advances that list of available resources and includes emergency and long-term services and those born out of newly identified needs exposed during the pandemic. This quick and easy guide is not an exhaustive list of available resources but an immediate active list of current programs from the Federal or State level to serve immediate needs. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 2 Table of Contents a. Housing Insecurity 1. Rental Assistance a. Rental Assistance Toolkit- Find rental assistance programs for your location Consumer Financial Protection Bureau b. Rental Assistance Toolkit Auyda federal con el pago de renta Spanish - Encuentre ayuda para pagar renta y servicios b sicos Oficina para la Protecci n Financiera del Consumidor c. Emergency Rental Assistance Program - Emergency Rental Assistance Program U.S. Department of the Treasury d. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau- Landlord Rental Assistance Help for renters Coronavirus housing resources Consumer Financial Protection Bureau e. Runaway and Homeless Youth Program- Runaway and Homeless Youth The Administration for Children and Families f. National Runaway Switchboard - National Runaway Safeline National Runaway Safeline g. National Reentry Resource Center - National Reentry Resource Center h. U. S. Department of Housing Urban Development HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD 2. Utilities a. Consumer Financial Assistance Utilities Gas Fuel Oil Water Sewer Trash Emergency financial assistance to help renters and landlords resources Consumer Financial Protection Bureau b. Emergency Broadband EBB Assistance Program- Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Federal Communications Commission 3. Eviction Prevention a. Renter Protections - What To Do If You re Facing Eviction Consumer Financial Protection Bureau b. Family Assistance 1. Childcare a. Childcare and Development Fund CCDF - Childcare and Development Fund b. Early Head Start EHS - Early Head Start Programs c. Head Start HS - Office of Head Start OHS d. Oficina De Head Start Spanish - Oficina de Head Start OHS e. Child Tax Credit - Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 f. Earned Income Tax Credit- Earned Income Tax Credit 2. Dependent Care a. Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account - Dependent Care FSA b. Health FSA Flexibility - New law provides additional flexibility for health FSAs and dependent care assistance programs 3. Child Support a. Child Support Enforcement CSE - Child Support Enforcement Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 3 b. VA Legal Aid- Know Your Rights - Child Support - Family and Domestic Sexual Violence 4. Home Health Care a. Health and Human Services- Caregiver Resources- Caregiver Resources Long-Term Care b. Centers for Medicaid Medicare Services- Home Health Care Services Home Health Providers 5. Education Related a. Emergency Broadband Benefit Back to School - Emergency Broadband Benefit Outreach Toolkit b. Pell Grant- Federal Student Aid - Federal Pell Grants - Federal Student Aid c. National Endowment for Financial Education - National Endowment for Financial Education - NEFE Council for Economic Education - Council for Economic Education You re never too young to learn about money c. Health Related Assistance 1. Mental Health a. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association SAMHA -SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration b. Mental Health Programs - MentalHealth.gov c. National Institute of Mental Health - Help for Mental Illnesses 2. Health Related Services vaccination assistance a. Healthcare and Medical Assistance - Healthcare And Medical Assistance b. Health Human Services - Programs Services c. Centers for Disease Control Prevention - Vaccines for COVID-19 d. Health Resources Services Administration- MUA Find 3. Nutrition a. Feeding America - U.S. Hunger Relief Organization - Feeding America b. SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP - USDA-FNS c. Food Nutrition Services - Summer Food Service Program - USDA-FNS d. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program Women Infant s Children WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children WIC USDA-FNS 4. Violence Prevention a. Violence Prevention CDC - Violence Prevention Home Page cdc.gov b. Youth Assistance Program - Violence Prevention youth.gov c. Child Welfare Information Gateway - Child Welfare Information Gateway 5. Counseling a. Family Youth Services - Family and Youth Services Bureau b. American Counseling Association - American Counseling Association 6. Disability Related Services a. Centers for Independent Living - Centers for Independent Living b. Job Accommodation Network - JAN - Job Accommodation Network c. Learning Disabilities Association of America - Learning Disabilities Association of America d. Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth - Cape Youth Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 4 e. Social Security Administration Income Disability Programs - The United States Social Security Administration f. National Center on Leadership for Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities LEAD Center - LEAD Center g. Secure Your Financial Future A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities - Secure Your Financial Future 7. Substance Abuse a. SA Find Treatment FindTreatment b. American Addiction Centers - Financial Assistance for Substance Abuse and Drug Rehab Treatment 8. Suicide Prevention a. National Suicide Prevention LifeLine - Lifeline b. Suicide Prevention - Suicide Prevention c. Suicide Prevention Hotline - Suicide Prevention Hotline d. Legal Assistance 1. Legal Aid eviction assistance - National Legal Aid Defender Association 2. Justice Related Assistance - Mass Defense Program - National Lawyers Guild 3. Protection and Advocacy National Disability Rights Network - National Disability Rights Network e. Financial Assistance 1. Unemployment Insurance a. Department of Labor Unemployment Assistance - Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak b. State by State Government unemployment assistance - Unemployment Assistance 2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF 3. Cash Assistance - Government Benefits Spanish Programas sociales 4. Achieving a Better Live Experience ABLE National Resource Center - ABLE National Resource Center 5. Transportation a. Federal Transit Administration - Federal Transit Administration b. Public Transportation - Public Transportation Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 5 Housing Insecurity Rental Assistance Rental Assistance Toolkit The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau identifies State and local organizations who are distributing federal rental assistance to their communities. The federal ERA program allows local programs to cover rent utilities and home energy costs. This includes electricity gas fuel oil water and sewer and trash removal. If your landlord normally pays for utilities or home energy costs these are counted as part of your rent. Rental assistance may also cover Reasonable late fees if not included in your rental or utility debt Internet service to your home Moving expenses and other rental-related fees such as security deposits application fees or screening fees for families who have to move Some programs may also provide housing counseling case management legal representation and other housing stability services. For additional information go to Emergency financial assistance to help renters and landlords. Para obtener informaci n adicional visite Ayuda financiera de emergencia para inquilinos recursos. Emergency Rental Assistance Program Emergency Rental Assistance program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. Two separate programs have been established to provide directly to states U.S. territories local governments Indian tribes or Tribally Designated Housing Entities as applicable and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands grant funds to provide assistance to eligible households through existing or newly created rental assistance programs. For additional information go to Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Landlord Assistance Landlords are an important part of the rental economy. If rental income has fallen landlords can take advantage of options to stay in control of property and financial situations through recovery of back rent owed by tenets. Landlords can apply for renters in 3 of 4 programs funded by the U.S. Treasury Department s Emergency Rental Assistance ERA Program. Rent payments are usually delivered straight Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 6 to the housing provider. For additional information go to Help for renters Coronavirus housing resources. Para obtener informaci n adicional visite Ayuda financiera de emergencia para inquilinos recursos. Runaway and Homeless Youth Program Through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program FYSB funds street outreach short-term shelter and longer-term transitional living and maternity group home programs that serve and protect these young people. The short-term shelter programs meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families. Youth receive emergency shelter food clothing counseling and referrals for health care. To locate a program go to Runaway and Homeless Youth. National Runaway Switchboard The mission of the National Runaway Switchboard NRS is to help keep America s runaway homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. Its goal is to help youth help themselves while developing a detailed plan of action that is appropriate for the individual. Assistance can be provided by phone 24 hours a day at 1-800-RUNAWAY. Youth can also visit the Web site for help and additional resources and services at Home Free. The organization serves as the federally- designated national communication system for runaway and homeless. The National Reentry Resource Center The National Reentry Resource Center NRRC provides education training and technical assistance to states tribes territories local governments service providers non-profit organizations and corrections institutions working on prisoner reentry. The NRRC s mission is to advance the reentry field through knowledge transfer and dissemination and to promote evidence-based best practices. For more information go to National Reentry Resource Center. The NRRC developed the National Criminal Justice Initiatives map to highlight national reentry and other criminal justice initiatives implemented throughout the United States and its territories. The map though not exhaustive seeks to provide a place-based catalog of national initiatives and programs designed to reduce the recidivism rates of people returning from prison jail and juvenile facilities. The map will be updated periodically as new initiatives are announced. To utilize the map to find programs and resources go to National Reentry Resource Center. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 7 U. S. Department of Housing Urban Development HUD HUD offers help to those who are homeless at risk of becoming homeless or know someone that is homeless. Local homeless assistance agencies provide a range of services and assistance including emergency shelter food housing counseling and job training and placement assistance. For information about housing start by contacting a homeless assistance agency Resources Housing and Urban Development. Utilities Consumer Financial Assistance Utilities Gas Fuel Oil Water Sewer Trash The federal ERA Program allows local programs to cover rent utilities and home energy costs. This includes electricity gas fuel oil water and sewer and trash removal. If your landlord normally pays for utilities or home energy costs these are counted as part of your rent. Rental assistance may also cover Reasonable late fees if not included in your rental or utility debt Internet service to your home Moving expenses and other rental-related fees such as security deposits application fees or screening fees for families who have to move Some programs may also provide housing counseling case management legal representation and other housing stability services. For additional information go to Emergency financial assistance. Para obtener informaci n adicional visite - stos ltimos incluyen la electricidad el gas aceite para combustible agua y ca er as y recolecci n de basura. Spanish Ayuda financiera de emergencia para inquilinos recursos. Emergency Broadband EBB Assistance Program The Federal Communications Commission offers an Emergency Broadband Benefit EBB to offer Up to 50 month discount for broadband service Up to 75 month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands and A one-time discount of up to 100 for a laptop desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider if they contribute more than 10 but less than 50 toward the purchase price. A household is eligible for this benefit if a member of the household meets any of the following criteria Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 8 Has an income that is at or below 135 of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs such as SNAP Medicaid or Lifeline Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program or did so in the 2019-2020 school year Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29 2020 or Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider s existing low-income or COVID-19 program. For additional information go to Emergency Broadband Benefit. Para obtener informaci n adicional visite Emergency Broadband Benefit 9x5 Spanish fcc.gov . Eviction Prevention Renter Protections To understand rights and next steps when renters are facing eviction this federal website links those in need with information guidance or legal or financial assistance programs. Take advantage of free housing help. Housing counselors can help find resources and make a plan. Help from a local expert contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD s housing counseling program. Call 800-569-4287. For additional information visit Facing Eviction. Family Assistance Childcare Childcare and Development Fund State childcare assistance programs are funded through the CCDF. CCDF is a Federal program that assists low-income families families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF and those transitioning from TANF in getting childcare so they can work or attend training education. Each state has its own eligibility guidelines. One may apply for childcare assistance sometimes called a subsidy or voucher at a state or local agency. For more information on CCDF visit the U.S. Department of Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 9 Health and Human Services Office of Childcare Web page at Office of Childcare OCC . To learn more about the childcare assistance program contact the state childcare agency. For a list of all state and territory CCDF contacts visit State and Territory Childcare and Development Fund Administrators. Early Head Start EHS EHS is a Federally-funded community-based program for low-income families with infants toddlers and pregnant women. It offers children and families comprehensive child development services through center based programs home-visiting programs and a combination of program options. EHS hours of operation vary from program to program. To find out how to contact a local EHS program call 866-763- 6481 or visit the EHS Program Locator Web site at HeadStartOffices. Head Start Head Start is a Federally-funded community-based child development program for children 3 to 5 years old and their families. It is a child-focused program and has the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children from low-income families. Head Start serves children whose family income is at or below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Like EHS Head Start programs may serve a limited number of children from families who earn more than this income limit. Programs can provide care through the traditional half-day and part- year hours the full-day and full- year hours or the half-day and school-year hours. To find a local Head Start program call 866-763-6481 or use the online national Head Start Locator Tool at HeadStartOffices. Click on En Espa ol to use the Head Start Locator Tool in Spanish. 6481 or visit the EHS Program Locator Web site at Localizador de Centros Head Start. Child Tax Credit CTC The IRS passed Advanced Child Tax Credits to provide half of the child tax benefits monthly and the second half when Americans file their 2021 tax returns to eligible households who file tax returns with qualifying dependents. How this impacts income and tax returns for nonprofessionals can be found on the following website Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021. Earned Income Tax Credit EITC The Earned Income Tax Credit EITC helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. To see who qualifies or how to use the credit to reduce 2021 taxes or if 2019 earned income amount is higher than 2020 go to the following site Earned Income Tax Credit EITC . Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 10 Dependent Care Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account A Dependent Care FSA DCFSA is a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible dependent care services such as preschool summer day camp before or after school programs and child or adult daycare. It s a smart simple way to save money while taking care of your loved ones so that you can continue to work. For additional information go to Dependent Care FSA. Health FSA Flexibility A Health Care FSA HCFSA is a pre-tax benefit account that s used to pay for eligible medical dental and vision care expenses - those not covered by your health care plan or elsewhere. It s a smart simple way to save money while keeping you and your family healthy and protected. Plus if you re-enroll in FSAFEDS during Open Season you can carry over up to 550.00 remaining in your account from one plan year to the next so there s no use or lose risk. Health Care FSA. Child Support Child Support Enforcement CSE CSE is a federal state local partnership to establish and enforce child support orders. It is sometimes called the IV-D Program because it was established under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act in 1975. Anyone who has custody of a child who needs child support from a nonresident parent can apply for CSE services. People who are on an assistance program - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families TANF foster care or Medicaid - are referred to the CSE Program and get the services free. People who do not receive federal state assistance can apply for services. States can charge an application fee of up to 25 and they can charge for the cost of providing CSE services. State CSE agencies run the program and can help to locate a parent to establish paternity or a support order and they can help to enforce the order. The CSE agency can be in the state s human services agency attorney general s office or revenue department. The addresses and telephone numbers for the state CSE agencies are at English . For additional information go to Resource state-and-tribal-child support agency. For more information go to the Child Support Enforcement Office s Web site at Child Support Enforcement. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 11 VA Legal Aid The VA legal aid society separates child support division to assist residents gain knowledge about the child support process and access free legal support to men or women to navigate the family court system. The site also provide information on family domestic sexual violence or financial support. For additional information on who has physical support of a child or how to access the Division of Child Support Enforcement DCSE go to Know Your Rights VaLegalAid. Home Health Care Health and Human Services- Caregiver Resources Across HHS our agencies provide resources for caregivers who take care of an aging seriously ill or disabled family member or friend. Learn more about being a caregiver and locate resources Mental Health and Addiction Insurance Help This consumer portal prototype is being released to help consumers get to the correct resource to solve their Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder insurance coverage issue. Medicare Medicare.gov Resources stories and newsletters about taking care of someone with Medicare. Caregiving National Institutes on Aging Information on caregiving from the National Institutes on Aging at NIH. Caregivers Administration for Community Living Help and resources for caregivers from the Administration for Community Living. Alzheimers.gov The government s information resource for people taking care of those with Alzheimer s disease and related dementias. Eldercare Locator Administration on Aging A public service connecting you to services for older adults and their families For additional information visit Resources for Caregivers. Centers for Medicaid Medicare Services- Home Health Care Services This site gives meaningful information about quality and costs to be active health care consumers it supports innovative approaches to improving quality accessibility and affordability while finding the best ways to use innovative technology to support patient-centered care. Available resources include Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 12 manuals Medicare coverage database CMS forms transmittals and information on the Medicare learning network. For additional information visit Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services. Education Related Emergency Broadband Benefit Back to School Heading back to school Whether your student will be in-person remote or hybrid this fall they need internet access. Learn more about how the Emergency Broadband Benefit can help eligible households get up to a 50- 75 monthly discount on internet service. For additional information go to Emergency Broadband Benefit. Pell Grant- Federal Student Aid Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor s graduate or professional degree. If you re eligible for a Federal Pell Grant you ll receive the full amount you qualify for each school participating in the program receives enough funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education to pay the Federal Pell Grant amounts for all its eligible students. The amount of any other student aid for which you might qualify does not affect the amount of your Federal Pell Grant. For additional information visit Federal Student Aid. National Endowment for Financial Education The National Endowment for Financial Education NEFE champions effective financial education as an independent centralizing voice providing leadership research and collaboration to advance financial well-being. For additional information visit National Endowment for Financial Education. Council for Economic Education CEE CEE provides economic and personal finance resources for K-12 educators their students and families delivering programs that amplify this content to address the specific needs of these audiences. CEE offers for Educator professional development and teaching awards. For students economic and personal finance challenges as well as investing in girls and for families the site offers financial fun packs and after school activities to learn about personal finances. Additional information can be found Programs Supported by the Council for Economic Education Council for Economic Education. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 13 Health Related Assistance Mental Health Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association SAMHA The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA provides resources to help individuals seeking treatment for substance use which includes a treatment facility database FindTreatment and a 24-hour free and confidential helpline for treatment referral and information in English and Spanish 1-800-273-TALK 8255 TTY 1- 800-799-4889 . SAMHSA also oversees the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK 8255 TTY 1-800-799- 4889 Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 via call or text and Veteran Crisis line 1-800-273- TALK 8255 TTY 1-800-799-4889 . For more information about substance health and mental health services and resources available please visit SAMHSA. Mental Health Programs MentalHealth.gov provides one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information that focuses on educating and guiding the general public health and emergency preparedness professionals school systems and local communities on mental health topics. Mental Health houses information from a number of government agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and prevention MedlinePlus the National Institutes of Health the National Institute of Mental Health NIMH Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA and Youth.gov. For more information visit MentalHealth . Informaci n en espa ol espanol.mentalhealth. National Institute of Mental Health The National Institute of Mental Health NIMH is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. In addition to conducting research on mental disorders NIMH also provides resources to help individuals who are in an immediate crisis find treatment and learn about how to make informed decisions about finding a healthcare provider. For more information and to see the full list of resources visit The National Institute of Health. Informaci n en espa ol sobre la salud mental. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 14 Health Related Services Healthcare and Medical Assistance Benefits.gov provides healthcare and medical assistance to individuals helping individuals understand which benefit programs hey may be eligible and how to apply. Benefit seekers can filter their search results by state of residence and subcategory of healthcare and medical assistance needed. Find the full database of healthcare and medical related benefits at Healthcare and Medical Assistance. Health Human Services Health and Human Services HHS administers more than 100 programs across its operating divisions. HHS programs protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS programs address topics including health rights HIPAA health insurance social services prevention wellness healthcare providers facilities emergency preparedness and response and more. See the full range of HHS programs and services at HHS. Centers for Disease Control Prevention The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC regularly updates their website with the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to providing information about the COVID-19 vaccines for the general public as well as specific groups the CDC website also helps individuals locate and schedule a free COVID-19 vaccine. For more information visit CDC coronavirus. Health Resources and Services Administration Within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services the Health Resources Services Administration HRSA supports health centers that provide comprehensive culturally competent quality primary health care services to medically underserved communities and vulnerable populations. Health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that serve populations with limited access to health care. Health Centers provide services available to all with fees adjusted based on the ability to pay. They are located in or serve a high need community which is a designated Medically Underserved Area or Population. To find MUAs and MUPs visit MUA Health Centers provide comprehensive primary health care services as well as supportive services education translation and transportation etc. that promote access to health care such as checkups when someone s well treatment when sick complete care when pregnant immunizations and checkups for children dental care and prescription drugs for Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 15 families and mental health and substance abuse care if needed. Health Centers are in most cities and many rural areas. Type in an address at Health Center. Nutrition Feeding America Feeding America is an organization that aims to feed America s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. To learn more about Feeding America go to Feeding America. The Web site provides a searchable list of food banks in a local area. The list can be accessed at Local Foodbank. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA SNAP serves as the foundation of America s national nutrition safety net. SNAP benefits provided monthly via an electronic debit card to be used to purchase food and nutrition are available to most households with gross income less than 130 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. To apply for benefits or for information about SNAP contact the local SNAP office. Find local offices and each state s application on the SNAP Web site s national map at SNAP. If the State s application form is not online contact the local SNAP office to request one. Local offices are also listed in the state or local government pages of the telephone book. The office should be listed under Food Stamps Social Services Human Services Public Assistance or a similar title. Or call the state s SNAP hotline number at 1-800-221-5689. Food and Nutrition Services To find more information on USDA s Summer Food Service Program also known as the Summer Meals Program which provides free meals to kids and teens in low-income areas when school is not in session go to summer food program. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program Women Infant s Children WIC The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children - better known as the WIC Program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant postpartum and breastfeeding women infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support and referrals to health care. The Food and Nutrition Service FNS a Federal agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is responsible for administering the WIC Program at the national and regional levels. To be eligible for WIC applicants must have income at or below an income level or standard set by the Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 16 state agency or be determined automatically income-eligible based on participation in certain programs. To find out if a youth is eligible for WIC benefits the WIC Prescreening Tool is accessible at WIC PreScreening Tool. To apply for WIC contact the state or local agency to set up an appointment. A list of WIC State Agencies organized alphabetically by state agency name is available at Contact Map or for a listing of Toll-Free numbers for WIC State Agencies go to Toll-Free Numbers. Violence Prevention Violence Prevention CDC VetoViolence has been developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC . It provides access to training and tools that focus on the primary prevention of multiple forms of violence including child maltreatment dating violence sexual violence suicide and youth violence. VetoViolence found at VetoViolence offers free accredited courses and other resources to help practitioners use evidence- based strategies and programs to stop violence before it happens. For additional information go to Violence Prevention. Youth Assistance Program Youth violence is a significant problem that affects thousands of young people each day and in turn their families schools and communities. Youth.gov s Youth Assistance Program provides resources on youth violence prevention intervention and treatment strategies. To see a full list of Youth.gov s resources visit https youth.gov youth-topics violence-prevention. Child Welfare Information Gateway Child Welfare Information Gateway promotes the safety permanency and well-being of children youth and families by connecting child welfare adoption and related professionals as well as the public to information resources and tools covering topics on child welfare child abuse and neglect out-of-home care adoption and more. For additional information go to Child Welfare Information Gateway Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 17 Counseling Family and Youth Services Bureau The Family and Youth Services Bureau FYSB within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration of Children and Families promotes safety stability and well-being for people who have experienced or been exposed to violence neglect or trauma. FYSB supports programs that provide shelter community. For additional information go to Family and Youth Services Bureau. American Counseling Association The American Counseling Association ACA is a not-for-profit professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. ACA provides an extensive list of free resources that cover a number of mental health topics. For a full list of topics visit ACA. ACA also provides a list of external counseling resources for aging adult populations caregivers children and families and more. See the full list of resources here Counselors and Clients. Disability Related Services Centers for Independent Living Centers for independent living are consumer controlled community based cross disability nonresidential private nonprofit agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provide an array of independent living services. To find a center for independent living nearby visit the Directory of Independent Living Centers and related organizations at Independent Living. Job Accommodation Network JAN AskJAN.org funded by the U.S Department of Labor s Office of Disability Employment Policy is an online resource center designed to provide employers people with disabilities their family members service providers educators and others with technical assistance on job accommodations and the Americans with Disabilities Act. JAN offers a free consulting service and can be accessed at Ask Jan. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 18 Learning Disabilities Association of America The Learning Disabilities Association of America LDAA provides support to people with learning disabilities their parents teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities practical solutions and a comprehensive network of resources. These resources include state resources information on disability rights and advocacy and government agencies and resources. See the full list of resources here Learning Disabilities. Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth CAPE Youth a technical assistance center funded by the U.S. Department of Labor s Office of Disability Employment Policy seeks to improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities by helping states build capacity in their youth service delivery and workforce systems. CAPE Youth conducts research on innovative policy approaches to improving transition and employment- related outcomes of youth and young adults with disabilities. Cape Youth Social Security Administration Income Disability Programs The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 authorized Social Security to award grants to community-based organizations throughout the U.S. and the U.S. territories. This grant program called The Work Site provides Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI and Supplemental Security Income SSI disability beneficiaries including transition-to- work aged youth with free access to information about work incentives benefits planning job placement and career development. For more information about WIPA and to find a service provider in a local area go to Work Incentives Planning and Assistance. National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities LEAD Center With funding from the Office of Disability Employment Policy ODEP at the U.S. Department of Labor the LEAD Center promote equal opportunity for youth and adults with disabilities creates inclusive career pathways and supports economic advancement and financial literacy for youth and adults with disabilities. The LEAD Center provides policy research and recommendations training and technical assistance as well as demonstration projects designed to break down silos in existing systems processes and practices and foster wider understanding adoption and integration of next-generation employment practices in both the public and private sector. For additional information go to Lead Center. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 19 Secure Your Financial Future A Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities The pandemic disrupted the personal finances of many Americans. As a result many people including people with disabilities are making employment related decisions based on their new financial situations. This toolkit provides a path forward wherever you may be on your employment journey. Providing resources in the following areas Preparing for a Job Starting a Job Maintaining a Job Changing or Losing a Job and Retiring from a Job this toolkit answers common questions and provides tools and resources to help you meet your financial goals. For additional information go to Secure. Substance Abuse Substance Abuse Find Treatment FindTreatment.gov is a database operated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations SAMHSA that helps individuals find a treatment service near their location. Individuals can learn more about treatment options and how to pay for treatment as well as gain a better understanding on addition and on mental health. Visit FindTreatment for more information. American Addiction Centers American Addiction Centers helps individuals seek financial assistance for substance abuse and drug rehab treatment. Individuals can visit Addictions Centers to learn more about grant options for rehab financial assistance for rehab and cost and payment options for addiction treatment. Suicide Prevention National Suicide Prevention Lifeline A national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They are committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals advancing professional best practices and building awareness. For additional information go to Lifeline. Suicide Prevention If someone you know is in crisis call the National Suicide Prevention at 1-800-273-TALK 8255 or text the Crisis Text Line text HELLO to 741741 . Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 20 The National Institute of Mental Health educates individuals on suicide prevention providing information on warning signs risk factors treatments and therapies and more. NIMH Esta p gina tambi n est disponible en espa ol espanol prevencion-del-suicidio. Suicide Prevention Hotline The Suicide Prevention Hotline is a free confidential 24-hour hotline available to those in crisis. Call 1- 800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline today. Veterans should Press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Crisis Line. Learn more about the suicide prevention hotline at Suicide Prevention. Legal Assistance Legal Aid The National Legal Aid Defender Association NLADA is America s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. NLADA provides access to an interactive map that tracks firms and civil legal aid programs nationwide. Learn more about NLADA and this database on their website National Legal Aid. Justice Related Assistance The National Lawyers Guild s Mass Defense Program is a network of lawyers legal workers law students organizers activists and community members providing legal support for protests and movements fighting for progressive social change. NLG also provides free Know Your Rights resources that are available in English Spanish Arabic Bengali and Urdu as well as a COVID-19 specific Know Your Right Resources. Learn more about the Mass Defense Program and their resources here Mass Defense Program. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 21 Protection and Advocacy National Disability Rights Network The Protection and Advocacy Program P A works to protect individuals with disabilities by advocating on their behalf. P A provides legal support to traditionally unserved or underserved populations. They help individuals with disabilities navigate the legal system to achieve resolution and encourage systems change. P A programs ensure that individuals with disabilities are able to exercise their right to make choices contribute to society and live independently. There is a P A agency in every state and U.S. territory as well as one serving the Native American population in the four corners region. To find your local P A agency visit Protection and Advocacy Financial Assistance Unemployment Insurance Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the U.S. Department of Labor has been providing additional flexibilities for unemployment insurance benefits. The Department of Labor s Unemployment Insurance page provides resources on eligibility for insurance benefits instructions on how to apply for unemployment resources a guide to find your state s unemployment program and addresses frequently asked questions. Access unemployment benefit insurance resources and stay abreast of latest updates by visiting Unemployment Insurance. State by State Government Unemployment Assistance Benefits.gov s database helps individuals learn about unemployment insurance and assistance that are available in their state. Visit Unemployment Assistance to access the database and see what benefits are available to you. Temporary Assistance Temporary Assistance for Needy Families The TANF program which is time limited assists families with children when the parents or other responsible relatives cannot provide for the family s basic needs. The Federal government provides grants to states to run the TANF program. State TANF programs are designed to accomplish four goals 1 to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 22 the homes of relatives 2 to end the dependency of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation work and marriage 3 to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of- wedlock pregnancies and establish annual numerical goals for preventing and reducing the incidence of these pregnancies and 4 to encourage the formation and maintenance of two- States have broad flexibility to carry out their programs. The states not the Federal government decide on the design of the program the type and amount of assistance payments the range of other services to be provided and the rules for determining who is eligible for benefits. To learn more about TANF go to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. To find out if a youth is eligible for assistance through this program contact a state or local welfare office. To get the state TANF contact phone number go to Help for Families. Cash Assistance USA.gov s benefits page provides a comprehensive overview of government programs that may help individuals pay for food housing health care and other basic living expenses. Find out about eligibility requirements for programs like food stamps welfare and Medicaid and how to apply for them. See the full list of resources at USAGov. Informaci n en espa ol Encuentre lo que necesita en este sitio. ABLE National Resource Center ABLE Accounts which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or the ABLE Act. The ABLE National Resource Center ABLE NRC is the leading comprehensive source of objective independent information about federal- and state-related ABLE programs and activities including guidance on tax-advantaged ABLE savings accounts. Our mission is to educate promote and support the positive impact ABLE can make on the lives of millions of Americans with disabilities and their families. ABLE NRC is a collaborative that brings together the investment support and resources of some of the countries largest and most influential national disability organizations in an effort to accelerate the design and availability of ABLE accounts to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. For additional information go to ABLE. Practitioners Guide to Supportive Services 23 Transportation Federal Transit Authority The Federal Transit Administration FTA provides financial and technical assistance to local public transit systems including buses subways light rail commuter rail trolleys and ferries. Transit services supported by FTA span many groups and provide wide-ranging benefits. See FTA resources related to the COVID-19 outbreak here Transit. Publictransportation.org Publictransportation.org is a one-stop shop for all things public transportation. The Web site at Public Transportation is an online resource for information on the benefits and importance of transit. To find public transportation in a community go to American Public Transportation Association.