Ask An Advocate: Frequently Asked Questions

See common topics below or go back to the Ask an Advocate form.

We can discuss the following topics in more detail: 

Check out the resources below to get started. Still have a question? Submit an Ask an Advocate or call us.

I want to join a self-advocacy or networking group.

• The Arc Self-Advocacy Page
• Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota: Parent Support
• Autism Society of Minnesota
• Facebook groups

I want to move and I need help.

• You must have Medical Assistance in order to access the Arc’s Housing Programs.
• Call or submit an Ask An Advocate to sign up for one of our Housing Programs

I have question about low-cost health care.

• Bridge To Benefits
• Bridge To Benefits: MN Low Cost Health Care Directory

I want to talk with a MNsure Navigator.

We no longer have MNsure Navigators on staff.

• You can locate a navigator on the MNsure website 

I have a question about Medical Assistance, MA- EPD, TEFRA, or SMRT.

• Healthcare programs overview
• The Arc Minnesota Guides
  • Medical Assistance
  • Medical Assistance renewals 
  • Medical Assistance managed care options
  • Medical Assistance TEFRA
  • Medical Assistance for Employed People with Disabilities (MA-EPD)
  • State Medical Review Team (SMRT)

I have a question about disability benefits.

• Disability benefits 101
• Disability Hub MN 
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Medical Assistance and Social Security at age 18 

I have a question about Social Security benefits. 

• The Arc Guide to Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Introduction to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Retired, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI)  
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
• Social Security Administration
• Social Security Administration: Disability benefits
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) appeals process
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Medical Assistance and Social Security at age 18 

I’m wondering how a change in assets will affect my benefits (SSI, MA, SNAP, etc).

• Benefits Planning Estimators
• Bridge To Benefits: Screening Tool

I have a question about CADI and DD waivers.  

• The Arc Minnesota Guides
  • CADI waiver
  • DD waiver
  • MnCHOICES
    • MnCHOICES assessment webinar
• Minnesota tribal and county directory

I have a question about PCA services.

• The Arc Minnesota Guide to PCA services

I have a question about Consumer Directed Community Supports/Consumer Support Grant/Family Support Grant.

• The Arc Minnesota Guides
  • CDCS
  • CSG
  • Family support Grant
    • Parental Fee Estimator

I have questions about Guardianship and other decision making supports.

• The Arc Minnesota Podcast on Decision Making
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Decision Making
• Webinars
  • Decision Making Options Webinar
  • Modernizing Guardianship in Minnesota Webinar
• Form: GAC101 Guardianship and Conservatorship Manual

I have questions about planning for the future.

• The Arc Minnesota Guide to person centered planning
• Focus on the Future Podcast  
• Planning your future
• Podcast: Understanding Special Needs Legal Planning

I have a question about education and transition.

• The Arc Minnesota Guides
  • Guide to Special Education
  • Transition IEP
• PACER website
• Legal Aid Into Adulthood Guide
• Charting the Lifecourse

I want to set up an ABLE account.

We don’t set up or manage ABLE accounts.

• Minnesota ABLE accounts must be set up through Save with Able
• Other states also have ABLE accounts.  Many plans are available for people from other states. The ABLE National Resource Center has more information.
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to ABLE Accounts

 

We cannot provide further information about the following topics:

Please reference the resources for each category.

I have a question about food support.

• Food Shelf Finder
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

I want to hire staff like a case manager, job coach, vocational rehabilitation specialist, respite, or PCA.

The Arc Minnesota does not have staff to provide these roles.  Please contact:

• Directory of service providers in Minnesota
• Care.com
• Direct Support Connect

I have questions about COVID-19, testing, vaccinations, and stimulus checks.

• Minnesota Department of Public Health
• COVID-19 resources
• United Way 211
• Minnesota COVID-19 resources
• Stimulus check information
• COVID-19 test sites 
• Vaccine information  
• Refugee and Immigrant COVID-19 Help Line, M-F 9AM-5PM, 651-318-0989

I want help filing my taxes.

We are not tax professionals and do not have a list of current tax preparers.

• Prepare and Prosper 
• CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio) free tax preparation (bilingual) 
• National Disability Institute: Free tax prep for people with disabilities
• Turbo Tax: What are disability tax credits
• Tax help for people with disabilities

I need legal or financial advice.

We do not provide legal or financial advice.  We recommend contacting the Disability Law Center or Volunteer Lawyers Network

• Minnesota Disability Law Center
• Volunteer Lawyer Network
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Choosing an Attorney
• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Choosing a Financial Planner

I was denied benefits and want to appeal.

We are not able to attend appeal hearings.

• The Arc Minnesota Guide to Department of Human Services Decision Appeal

I need a functional, behavioral, or diagnostic assessment.

We do not provide these assessments.

• MNHelp.info
• Autism Society of Minnesota

I need help fixing my car.

We do not have funds available for this.

• NeedHelpPayingBills
• United Way 211
• Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP)
• Ask your local churches

I have a question about accessibility.

• Try Connectability

I need help paying my rent.

We don’t have funds to pay rent. We don’t have a program to assist with home ownership.

• Disability Hub MN: Staying in your home
• RentHelpMN