Benefits Assistance & Advocacy Program helps you apply for and keep the benefits that help you live independently in the community. Applying for benefits can be a confusing and complicated process. Depending on your needs, they can help you: Apply for, maintain, or recertify for your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Apply for Medicaid Buy-In, Public Assistance, Food Stamps, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assistance, rent subsidies, etc. Provide referrals to credit repair services and help you set up payment plans

The Benefits Assistance & Advocacy Program is free and open to people of all ages who have any type of disability.

United Cerebral Palsy National provides education, advocacy and support services for all disabilities with focus on cerebral palsy.

The Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley is rooted in a philosophy of self reliance and self determination. We offer the following services to individuals with disabilities and their families.
Advocacy-Advise individuals of their legal, economic and educational rights and assist them in securing those rights.
Peer Counseling-We provide an environment where persons with disabilities share their experiences either on a one to one basis or in a group setting.
Benefits Advisement- We provide support, information and guidance to individuals about obtaining needed services either on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting.
Information and Referral-We provide information and referral regarding community resources and programs, recreational services, special education services, civil rights, employment, accessibility, travel and assistive technology.
Housing Information-We provide information on how to make housing accessible, how to obtain accessible housing. We also provide advice on tenants rights and responsibilities.
Consultation on Architectural Barriers-Consultation services to area businesses, houses of worship, community groups, and individuals on planning for a ""barrier free"" environment.
Transportation-Assist individuals in obtaining needed transportation services. Provide limited transportation with our own van.
Living skills-Provide training to individuals that will assist them to be independent in their daily living. We also provide social and cultural skills enrichment programs.
Employment services-Assist individuals in obtaining and keeping meaningful employment. We assist employers in obtaining and training employees with a disability.
Personal assistance services-Assist individuals in hiring their own personal assistant. We provide help to the individual in the recruitment, training and supervision of these assistants.
Call our offices for more information about how our programs can benefit you or your family members.

Individual & Systems Advocacy

Advocacy efforts to implement local and state policy changes to make facilities, services, and opportunities available and accessible to individuals with disabilities. i.e. HILC works with the Human Rights department of civil rights in making sure area businesses are fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Advocacy for those with special needs. Assistance for people with special needs and their families to empower those to lead productive independent lives in the community

ICAN is the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network / NYS Ombudsman Program for people with Medicaid, Medicare and Managed Long Term Care Plans who need long term care services.

• Answers questions related to Medicare, Medicaid, long- term care, and also managed care plan.

• We help anyone in a Medicaid Managed Care plan who needs long- term care services (ie. home attendant, adult day care, or nursing home).

• We help people who are applying for Medicaid and need help enrolling in a Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC), or Medicaid Managed Care (MMC).

• We can help you solve problems with your managed care plan or providers such as doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. For example, we can help you appeal a decision that you disagree with.

Legal Assistance of Western New York provides ICAN assistance in the following counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Steuben, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates. ICAN is coordinated by Community Service Society of New York. Contact: (877) 566-0398

ICAN is funded by the state of NEW York and coordinated by Community Service Society

Provides individual advocacy and information and referral.

Services provided by the chapter include information and referral, support, advocacy, awareness and educational programs.

We provide:

•Opportunities to network with other individuals and families affected by Spina Bifida.

•Quarterly newsletter and periodic e-news

•New parent packets for families with newborns with Spina Bifida

•Support groups

•Advocacy for those with Spina Bifida

•Financial scholarships

•Equipment exchange

•Lending library

•Prevention Education – folic acid awareness

•Public education and awareness about Spina Bifida

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) is a program by ACHIEVE that assists people with obtaining available services in the community as well as services under the Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waiver. They also assist people during the eligibility determination process with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

SSAN Advocate promotes a philosophy of independent living, including consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and advocacy at the local, state and federal levels. The advocate uses strategies and methods to advocate to full inclusion for individuals with disabilities. The advocate also provides support, assistance and advocacy for individuals and families needing help with issues relating to disabilities.