I organized the types of resources by category, simplified the entries and included suggested questions to ask about each resource here: https://philslist.org/prefer-to-call-for-information/
Game-Changing Financial Shifts for the Disability Community since 2005
For decades, the disability community has been strangled by a policy of mandated poverty. To maintain life-sustaining benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, individuals have had to navigate the $2,000 resource limit. This has historically forced a choice between financial independence and the preservation of essential healthcare. If you saved for a rainy day, you were punished; if you built a career, you risked losing your safety net. However, we are entering a new era. A combination of legislative expansions, regulatory shifts in Social Security, and sophisticated planning tools is finally dismantling this “financial glass ceiling.”
The 2026 ABLE Expansion
Starting January 1, 2026, ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) eligibility expanded to people whose disability began before age 46, instead of before age 26. A person can be older than 46 when opening the account, as long as the qualifying disability began before 46.
A person may qualify by receiving SSI or SSDI based on disability or blindness, or through a disability certification showing a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that began before age 46, has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and causes marked and severe functional limitations. ABLE eligibility is not simply an employment or income test; working does not automatically disqualify someone. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, or depression may qualify when they are medically documented and severe enough to meet the functional-limitation standard.
Bypassing the Last ISM Hurdles
“In-Kind Support and Maintenance” (ISM) has long troubled SSI recipients. In the past, benefits were reduced if anyone else covered your food, clothing, or shelter. In 2005, the federal government removed “clothing” from the ISM calculation and, even more significantly, removed “food” in 2024.
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits
Shelter is still part of SSI in-kind support and maintenance. If someone let’s the SSI recipient live with them rent-free or pays an SSI recipient’s rent or other shelter costs directly, SSI may be reduced by up to about one-third, depending on the living arrangement and the value of the help. A safer strategy may be for a third party to contribute to the beneficiary’s ABLE account, and for the beneficiary to use ABLE funds to pay rent or mortgage expenses. ABLE distributions for housing are not SSI income, but housing withdrawals should generally be spent in the same month they are taken to avoid being counted as a resource.
DAC benefits are Social Security benefits based on a parent’s work record. They may be available to an adult child whose disability began before age 22 when the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. Marriage usually ends DAC benefits unless the spouse receives certain Social Security benefits. If DAC ends because of a non-exempt marriage, re-entitlement on the same parent’s record is generally barred even if the marriage later ends, with narrow exceptions.
Many fear that the higher income from DAC will disqualify them from Medicaid. However, Medicaid can generally continue even if SSI is lost, provided the loss was solely due to the start or increase of DAC benefits.
“Self-Certification”—Simplifying the System
The traditional disability-benefits system can be a difficult maze of medical evidence, forms, and eligibility reviews. By contrast, ABLE accounts use a much lower-barrier enrollment model. In many ABLE programs, a person does not have to upload medical records when opening the account. Instead, the person self-certifies that they meet the ABLE eligibility rules and keeps proof, such as an SSA benefit letter or a written physician diagnosis, in case the ABLE program, IRS, Treasury, or another authority later requests it. This does not mean documentation is optional; it means the documentation is generally retained by the account owner rather than submitted up front. For people already carrying a heavy disability-related administrative burden, that simpler entry process is a meaningful accessibility improvement.
For more information, see these sources:
https://www.ablenow.com/save/eligibility
https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0501130740
https://www.ablenrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ABLEAccountDisabilityCertificationForm_2025.pdf?
https://thearc.org/blog/able-accounts-2026-updates-how-to-open/
Special Needs Family Lifetime Plan Calculator
Retirement and inheritance planning is very complicated because of all the factors we can’t know, like when people will die or how the stock market will behave. When you throw in trying to plan for a special needs adult family member as well, it probably triples the complexity. With help from ChatGPT, I created a spreadsheet that can help with the planning and model different financial circumstances. I intentionally used realistic numbers in the base case so that the year-by-year page would show a funding gap that would need to be planned for by the family. There are various scenarios the sheet will calculate so families can get a better idea of what might happen if some of the variables change. Give it a try and email me at charityawareness@commonheart.org to let me know how it worked for you. It works best on a laptop or desktop computer. You can use it in Google Sheets or download it to Excel.
Community Partners in #Union County, NC: Your Resource Finder Tool
Community partners, please test out this new tool for finding resources in Union County. You can find it at this link or scan the QR code.
It can be very useful for you to quickly look up resources specific to your clients’ needs. It will even translate in the chat if you ask it to.
Please ask a question about resources; the more specific, the better, and please send the results to charityawareness@commonheart.org so I can keep improving the tool. You can even ask the tool to translate the answer into another language, or ask your question in your preferred language. If you use it on a smartphone, you should be able to press the microphone in the lower right corner to enable you to ask your question verbally.
A 30 day plan for starting a business in Monroe
Starting a business in Monroe, North Carolina, involves a structured process of planning, legal registration, and financial preparation. This 30-day roadmap is designed to guide you through the essential steps based on local guidelines and available resources.
Days 1–7: Planning and Market Research
Your first week should focus on turning your idea into a viable plan of action.
- Create a Business Plan: Develop a written document that serves as your roadmap, showing where your business is going and how it will get there. This is critical for obtaining loans and ensuring you have sufficient capital.
- Define Your Mission and Goals: Draft a mission statement (30 words or fewer) and set specific objectives, such as annual sales targets.
- Conduct Market Research: Use “secondary research” by visiting the Union County Library to access industry profiles, trade journals, and demographic profiles. Conduct “primary research” by observing traffic at potential locations or surveying consumer preferences
- Identify Your Competitive Niche: Analyze your top competitors to understand their strengths and weaknesses, then define your “niche”—the unique corner of the market you will serve
Days 8–14: Legal Structure and Registration
Once your plan is set, you must establish your business as a legal entity.
- Select a Business Structure: Decide whether your business will be a Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation, or Partnership.
- Register Your Business Name: If starting a sole proprietorship or general partnership, file a “Certificate of Assumed Name” with the Union County Register of Deeds. For LLCs or Corporations, contact the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State.
- Obtain a Tax ID: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS, which is required for most businesses that pay wages.
- Consult Professionals: Reach out to an attorney or accountant to assist with comprehensive tax planning and legal liabilities.
Days 15–21: Local Compliance and Tax Setup
In the third week, ensure you meet all local regulations specific to Monroe and Union County.
- Check Zoning and Permits: Contact the City of Monroe’s Director of Planning and Development for zoning information and the Chief Building Inspector for inspections.
- Secure License Requirements: Obtain a “Certificate of Registration” for Sales and Use Tax from the NC Department of Revenue. If you are in a specialized profession, you may also need a state “Privilege License.”
- Set Up Utilities: Coordinate with the City of Monroe Utilities/Customer Service department to establish necessary services for your location.
Days 22–30: Financing, Operations, and Staffing
The final week is for securing funds and preparing for your day-to-day operations.
- Identify Financing Sources: Explore funding options such as the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF), which offers loans and technical assistance to startups and small businesses in North Carolina.
- Develop a Financial Plan: Create a 12-month profit and loss projection and a cash-flow analysis. Use a “break-even analysis” to determine the sales volume needed to cover your costs.
- Prepare for Hiring: If you plan to have employees, learn about requirements for Workers’ Compensation insurance and report new hires to the North Carolina State Directory of New Hires.
- Utilize Support Networks: Contact the NCWorks Career Center – Union County for assistance with employment searches and workplace readiness. You can also access free online business classes through the Small Business Center Network.
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in North Carolina
To determine if you are eligible for SNAP (known as Food and Nutrition Services or FNS in North Carolina), you must meet specific requirements regarding your household, income, and resources.
1. Basic Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for FNS benefits if you fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Have no job or a low-paying job.
- Are elderly (60+) or disabled and have a low income.
- Are currently experiencing homelessness.
- Receive other benefits like Work First Family Assistance (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
2. Household Rules
Eligibility is calculated based on your “household,” which is defined by who you live and prepare meals with:
- Household of One: If you live alone, are homeless, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with, you apply as a household of one.
- Larger Household: If you live with others and prepare and eat meals together, everyone (including children and seniors) must be counted in the household.
3. Income and Resource Limits
FNS eligibility is based on a complex calculation of your household size, total income, and assets.
- Income Limits: There are limits on the amount of money your household can receive monthly.
- Asset Limits: There are also limits on “resources” (property and money you own), though you may still qualify if you own a home or a car.
- Deductions: Case workers will look at your specific expenses, such as medical or shelter costs, to see if they can be deducted from your income to help you qualify.
4. Other Requirements
- Residency: You must be a resident of North Carolina.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or have a certain legal status (undocumented immigrants are not eligible).
- Social Security: You must have a Social Security number or have applied for one.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults without children may be required to work or participate in a work program to maintain benefits.
How to Confirm Your Eligibility
Because the calculation is complex, the state recommends that you apply even if you aren’t sure if you qualify. You can check your eligibility or apply through the following channels:
- Online: Apply at ePASS.nc.gov.
- In-Person: Visit the Union County Department of Social Services at 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110.
- Screening Help: You can contact More In My Basket at the Union County Center (704-283-3737) for an eligibility screening and help with the application process.
What is the difference between FNS and TEFAP?
While both programs help families in Union County put food on the table, they work in very different ways. FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) provides you with a monthly electronic benefit to buy groceries at stores, while TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) provides actual food items through local pantries.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences between the two:
1. What You Receive
- FNS (SNAP/Food Stamps): You receive monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. You can use this card at most grocery stores and many farmers’ markets to choose and buy the food your family needs.
- TEFAP: This is a federal program that provides USDA-purchased food “commodities”. This food is distributed to local agencies like Common Heart or Loaves and Fishes, which then give it directly to people in need at no cost.
2. How to Apply and Access Benefits
- FNS: You must apply through the Union County Department of Social Services (DSS).
- Apply Online: ePASS.nc.gov.
- In-Person: 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110.
- Phone: 704-296-4300.
- TEFAP: You do not apply through the government; instead, you are “agency certified” by a local pantry.
- Common Heart: Operates several evening pantries where you can receive nonperishable groceries once per week if you are TEFAP-eligible.
- Loaves and Fishes of Union County: Provides food up to three times in a 12-month period for certified residents.
3. Eligibility Requirements
- FNS: Eligibility is based on household size and income limits set by the state.
- TEFAP: Eligibility is generally set at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Automatic Eligibility: One of the biggest differences is that if you already receive FNS (Food Stamps), you are often automatically considered income-eligible for TEFAP and other nutrition programs like WIC.
Summary Table
| Feature | Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) | TEFAP (Emergency Food) |
|---|---|---|
| Common Name | SNAP / Food Stamps | Food Pantry / Commodities |
| Format | Electronic money on a card | Pre-packed bags or boxes of food |
| Where to Shop | Grocery stores & Farmers’ markets | Local pantries (Common Heart, etc.) |
| How to Apply | Apply at DSS or online via ePASS | Visit a local pantry for certification |
| Income Limit | Varies by state guidelines | 185% of Federal Poverty Level |
Helpful Tip: If you are struggling with food right now and cannot wait for an FNS application to process, your best resource is to contact a TEFAP-distributing pantry like Common Heart (704-218-9060) or Loaves and Fishes (704-960-1486) for immediate assistance.
For parents whose child has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, the Google LM Notebook for Resources for Union County, NC residents
suggests this 30-day plan. This 30-day plan focuses on immediate emotional support, medical navigation, and long-term financial security.
Days 1–7: Establish Support and Early Intervention
The first priority is connecting with other parents who understand your journey and initiating developmental care.
- Connect with Peer Mentors: Contact the Family Support Network of North Carolina (FSN-NC). They specialize in peer-to-peer mentoring and parent support groups, providing a direct way to meet other families in similar situations.
- Phone: 800-852-0042
- Website: fsnnc.org
- Visit GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte: This center offers a custom, research-based curriculum specifically for individuals with Down Syndrome from prenatal through adulthood. All programs—including those focusing on literacy, math, and motor skills—are free of charge.
- Website: gigisplayhouse.org/charlotte
- Apply for CMARC: The Care Management for At-Risk Children (CMARC) program provides specialized care management for children ages 0–5. Registered Nurses or Social Workers can help identify your child’s specific needs, set goals, and link you to a “medical home”.
- Contact: Union County Human Services Agency at 704-296-4300.
Days 8–14: Access Specialized Health and Education Resources
During this phase, focus on local clinics and libraries that provide specialized developmental tools.
- Consult the WoMB Clinic: Located at Wingate University, the WoMB Clinic provides free infant development assessments and parenting support to help your baby reach important milestones. They also offer specialized services like pelvic floor therapy for postpartum recovery and lactation counseling.
- Phone: 704-233-8972
- Website: wingate.edu/womb-clinic
- Reach out to the Alliance for Children: This organization provides a continuum of programs for parents from birth until kindergarten, including “Circle of Parents,” where you can discuss the challenges of raising children with special needs in a supportive environment.
- Website: theallianceforchildren.org
Days 15–21: Financial and Healthcare Planning
While your child is young, it is critical to initiate applications for programs with long waitlists or specific eligibility rules.
- Join the Innovations Waiver Waitlist: The Innovations Waiver funds community-based services and supported living for individuals with I/DD, but the waitlist in North Carolina is currently 18,000+ people deep with a 7 to 10-year wait. Register your child immediately, regardless of their current age.
- Innovations Waitlist Line: 1-833-780-2587
- Open an NC ABLE Account: This tax-advantaged savings account allows families to save for a disabled child’s living expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds in an NC ABLE account are also legally protected from Medicaid recovery at death, a benefit that does not exist in every state.
- Website: ncable.nc.gov
- Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI pays monthly benefits to disabled children in households with limited income and resources.
- Website: ssa.gov/benefits/ssi
Days 22–30: Caregiver Wellness and Community Engagement
Caring for a child with special needs requires maintaining your own mental health and utilizing local community supports.
- Register for Caregiver Support: Join Trualta, a free online portal for Union County caregivers. It provides expert advice and a community space to help you manage potential burnout and learn about navigating chronic conditions.
- Sign-up Link: nc-caregivers.com/short-signup
- Check the “Kindness Project” for Supplies: The Union County Library serves as a year-round collection point for the CMARC program. If your family is in need of basic material supplies like diapers or wipes, contact CMARC or visit the library to inquire about these resources.
- Call the Special Health Care Needs Helpline: For ongoing questions about benefits or potential services, North Carolina offers a toll-free helpline specifically for parents of children with chronic physical, developmental, or behavioral conditions.
- Phone: 800-737-3028
- Email: CYSHCN.Helpline@dhhs.nc.gov
What is COBRA?
COBRA, which stands for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, is a federal law that requires employers with 20 or more employees to offer “continuation coverage” for group health plans. This allows employees, their spouses, and dependent children to keep their health insurance for a limited time after it would normally end due to specific life events.
How COBRA Works
- Continuation of Benefits: The coverage provided under COBRA must be identical to the “core” or basic benefits you received while employed.
- Fees: Unlike employer-sponsored insurance where the company often pays a portion of the premium, you are typically responsible for paying the full cost of the coverage yourself.
- Duration: Coverage generally lasts between 18 and 36 months, depending on the nature of the qualifying event.
Qualifying Events
You may be eligible for COBRA if you lose your health coverage due to any of the following:
| For Employees | For Spouses | For Dependent Children |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary or involuntary job loss (except for gross misconduct) | Job loss of the covered employee | All events listed for spouses |
| Reduction in work hours | Reduction in employee’s work hours | Loss of “dependent child” status under plan rules |
| Employee becomes entitled to Medicare | ||
| Divorce or legal separation | ||
| Death of the covered employee |
How to Apply
- Notify Employer: You or a family member must inform the employer within 60 days of a qualifying event.
- Election Period: Once the employer notifies you of your rights, you have 60 days to choose to elect COBRA coverage.
- Risk of Loss: If you do not choose COBRA within this 60-day window, your medical coverage will end.
Important Note on Medicare
If you are transitioning to Medicare, it is important to know that COBRA is not considered coverage based on current, active employment. This means that even if you have COBRA, you must generally enroll in Medicare Part B within eight months of your actual employment ending to avoid late enrollment penalties. Furthermore, you are not entitled to a special enrollment period for Medicare once your COBRA coverage expires.
For More Information
- Local Assistance: Union County residents can contact the Council on Aging in Union County at 704-292-1797 for help with Medicare and SHIIP counseling.
- State Resources: Call the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 1-855-408-1212 or visit ncshiip.com.
- Federal Resources: Contact the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) at 866-444-3272 or visit askebsa.dol.gov.
Do you have questions about what benefits you may qualify for?
I’ve set up a tool here that can comb through the list of resources I have fed it and answer questions. Please try it out, even if you need to make up a need in order to help me test it. Click the link and ask a question in the chat about resources in Union County. The more specific, the better, and please send the results to charityawareness@commonheart.org so I can keep improving the tool.
Here’s what it suggested as a 30-day plan for a single mom with children who just lost her job:
Days 1–7: Immediate Survival and Basic Needs
- File for Unemployment Benefits: Contact the NC Division of Employment Security immediately. Filing online is the fastest method, or you can call 888-737-0259.
- Apply for Healthcare and Food Assistance: Use the ePASS portal (ePASS.nc.gov) to apply for NC Medicaid to restore health coverage for you and your children. Simultaneously apply for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS/SNAP).
- Enroll in WIC: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under five, contact the Union County WIC Service at 704-296-4893 for nutritional and breastfeeding support.
- Access Immediate Food: For prepared meals, the Community Shelter of Union County dining hall provides three meals a day to anyone in need without certification. For groceries, contact Common Heart to inquire about mobile pantries or grocery delivery for families in financial need.
Days 8–14: Financial and Housing Stability
- Seek Crisis Assistance: Contact the Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry at 704-225-0440. They provide emergency financial aid for mortgage, rent, utilities, and personal care items.
- Manage Utility Bills: If you are facing a family crisis related to heating or cooling bills, apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through the Union County Department of Social Services.
- Initiate Child Support Services: Visit the Child Support Services office at 1501 Charlotte Ave., Monroe, to open a case. This program helps custodial parents collect financial support to prevent children from entering foster care.
- Establish a Support Network: Reach out to the Family Support Network of NC for peer mentoring and resource navigation to help manage the emotional stress of your situation.
Days 15–21: Childcare and Employment Preparation
- Secure Quality Childcare: Contact Christ Our Shepherd (COS Kids) in Matthews. They specifically strive to empower and advocate for the unique needs of single parents and provide quality Christian-based children’s programs. For broader referrals, contact Child Care Resources, Inc..
- Register with NCWorks: Start your job search by using NCWorks.gov for assistance with resume building, career exploration, and finding training.
- Utilize Library Resources: Visit a Union County Library branch to use their computers and internet for job searching. They also offer computer classes and specific assistance for job seekers.
- Obtain Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your housing rights or government benefits, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina for free legal help in civil cases involving basic human needs.
Days 22–30: Long-term Strategy and Maintenance
- Apply for Work First: Inquire about the Work First Family Assistance program. It provides short-term training and cash assistance based on the premise that parents have a responsibility to support themselves and their children.
- Secure Maintenance Medications: If you have a chronic condition and no insurance, apply to HealthQuest for free prescription assistance or NC MedAssist, which serves uninsured residents at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
- Advocate for Your Child’s Education: If your children are school-aged, ensure they are enrolled in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program to receive free nutritious meals every school day.
- Manage Long-term Health: If you remain uninsured, look into the Matthews Free Medical Clinic or Community Health Services of Union County, which provide free primary care for low-income, uninsured residents.