Regional Agencies

Social Security Disability
1-800-772-1213

Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to apply online for social security benefits or to locate your local office.  www.hdsa.org has a sample disability letter that you can take to your doctor.  Found in the downloadable publication "A Physician's Guide to the Management of Huntington's Disease".
NO

Medicaid: Georgia Department of Human Resources: Georgia

To find your local DFCS (Department of Family Children Services) check your local telephone book or go to www.dhr.state.ga.us and click on divisions, then click on Department of Family Children Services and enter your county.  Provides the following services: financial (SSI), Medicaid health benefits, and food stamps. (If you qualify for SSI you will get health-care benefits with no waiting period.) 
You can find a copy of the Medicaid manual at www.odis.dhr.state.ga.us.
$$

Medicare
1-800-633-4227

Medicare offers health-care benefits after being on social security disability for two years.  Go to www.medicare.gov for more information and to download their manual.
NO

Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center Area
Agency on Aging: Georgia
Brunswick, Georgia

www.coastalgeorgiaRDC.org

Call 1-800-580-6860 to speak to a specialist who will evaluate your needs and then advise you about currently available programs and their requirements.  The center advises seniors and younger disabled persons.  Types of services that may be available:

• Home delivery of prepared meals
• Homemaker assistance with meals, shopping, money management, light housekeeping
• Home repair or modification
• Chore services for heavy housework and yard work
• Health screening
• Emergency response electronic device
• Personal care support
• Home health care including nursing, physical, speech, occupational therapies
• Financial assistance for housing, utilities, dental care, eyeglasses, food, clothing

Administers the CCSP - Community Care Services Program - offering community-based care as an alternative to nursing home placement.  Available for nursing home level of care individuals (as determined by an assessment nurse) and able to live safely in the community.  Funded by the state Medicaid, but is available with a co-pay to individuals who are not currently eligible for general Medicaid yet still meet certain requirements.  Provides home health, personal support, emergency response, home-delivered meals, adult day care, and an alternative-living residence for those unable to remain in their homes.  NOTE: Cognitive and dementia disorders are considered physical conditions.

Administers CAP - Caregiver Assistance Program in four counties - Bullock, Chatham, Glynn, and McIntosh.  To qualify a caregiver must be providing help for an individual 60 or older; or the caregiver must be 60 or older providing care for a minor grandchild or a minor with a developmental disability.  Caregivers with a "high-level of stress" and "most in need" have an in-home assessment by a nurse.  Services are provided to help the caregiver.
$$ and NO

United Way: Georgia

Call 211 for a listing of their services.  Many are tailored to seniors, children and lower income individuals.
$$ and NO

ARC of Effingham: Georgia
912-748-4415

An organization that works to include children and adults with cognitive, intellectual and developmental disabilities in every aspect of community life.  The majority of their programs target juveniles and include workshops, socials, special education, summer activities and advocacy.
NO

Senior Citizens: Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
912-236-0363
www.seniorcitizens-inc.org

For individuals 60 and older.  Services include meals on wheels, in-home support, resource & program assistance, transportation for necessities, senior companions in the home, adult day care, Club 55 for learning and recreation, and senior citizens discount card.
$$ and NO

Peachcare for Kids: Georgia
877-427-3224

Health care services for children.
$$

Veterans Administration Benefits
www.va.gov

For health care benefits contact 877-222-8387 or a local office.  Request the "Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependants" booklet.  Excellent guide.  To be eligible as of 2003, a veteran has to have a service-connected disability, be considered catastrophically disabled (priority 4), be a Purple Heart recipient, or have one of the other medically approved conditions.

For other VA benefits contact 800-827-1000.

Health care benefits provided will vary depending on your financial situation, priority rating and the clinic.  The following is an example of some of the benefits that may be available depending on the center:

• Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hospital bed, etc)
• Communication device
• Prescriptions
• Transportation to center
• Home improvements and structural alterations
• Adult day care
• Hospice and palliative care
• Respite
• Nursing home and limited in-home care.

Some services may require co-payments.

Large centers:
Augusta, GA - 706-733-0188
Charleston, SC - 843-577-5011

Smaller centers:
Savannah, Dublin, and Milledgeville, Georgia
Beaufort and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
$$ and NO

Seniors Providing Companionship Program: Georgia
Senior Companion Program for Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Jenkins, Tattnall, Emanual, Effingham, Evans and Screven counties.

912-681-0712

Senior volunteers over 60 receive a small stipend to visit the homebound, those living with chronic illnesses, and the frail elderly.  They do not prodice medical services, but offer friendship, assistance, and respite (for caregivers) for a limited amount of time on a weekly basis.  They may assist with meals, companionship (read, write letters, walk with) and provide transportation.

Call to be put on the waiting list for a volunteer.
NO

L.I.F.E - Living Independence for Everyone: Georgia
800-948-4824
912-920-2414

An organization that helps disabled persons maintain independence, inclusion and integration within their community.  Services offered may include independent living skills training, peer support network, equipment loan closet, resource library, and home modifications.  L.I.F.E. currently has a contract through Disability Link to assist individuals desiring to leave a nursing home or individuals needing help in finding resources to prevent nursing home placement.  This may include rental and utility deposits, furniture and household items.  Serves 11 counties in the Savannah area.
L.I.F.E. - NO
Disability Link - $$

«back to the top