NEWS

PUBLICATIONS

Monkey Business – September 2024

In This Issue: From the Executive Director, Disability Corner, Falmouth Road Race, Government Relations with Amir Ameli, Upcoming Event: Accessible Fencing, Birthday Round-up

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Social Security card and money
Government Relations

Policy Review of the New SSI Rule: “Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations”

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented a rule that will eliminate food from the In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations when determining Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and payment amounts. Effective September 30, 2024, this change is designed to make the SSI process less burdensome for beneficiaries and the SSA itself.

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group of road race runners
PUBLICATIONS

Monkey Business – August 2024

In This Issue: From the Executive Director, Disability Corner, Falmouth Road Race, Government Relations with Amir Ameli, Upcoming Event: Accessible Fencing, Birthday Round-up

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HUD logo
Government Relations

Recent policy updates from the HUD and the VA

The recent policy updates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) mark a significant step forward in helping veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness, find stable housing. These changes are designed to address the specific challenges veterans face when trying to access supportive housing and aim to make the system more inclusive and effective.

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Moving Truck
PUBLICATIONS

Monkey Business – July 2024

In This Issue: Greetings from the Executive Director, Disability Corner, Office Update, Government Relations with Amir Ameli, Upcoming Events, Birthday Round-up

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woman in wheelchair with a laptop
Government Relations

Overcoming Challenges & Unlocking Opportunities for Work & SSDI Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two main programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs define disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically verifiable physical or mental impairment. If someone’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, their benefits are typically reduced or stopped.

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Photo of runner
PUBLICATIONS

Monkey Business – June 2024

In This Issue: Greetings from the Executive Director, Disability Corner, In the News, Government Relations, Falmouth Road Race, Accessible Fencing, Happy Birthday Jessica!

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Weddign rings on a book
Government Relations

The “marriage penalty” within the SSI Program

The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides crucial monthly cash assistance to disabled and elderly people with limited income and resources. However, many recipients face a significant drawback: the program penalizes marriage by reducing or eliminating benefits if a couple’s combined assets exceed $3,000.

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IN THE NEWS

Company In Allston Raising Funds After Flood Damage

ALLSTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — An organization that houses dozens of capuchin monkeys is asking for the public’s help after a recent flooding. Envisioning Access, formerly known as Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers, used to train and provide service monkeys to people living with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and ALS.

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