Crisis Services
ASERT does not offer crisis services through our Resource Center. If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health distress or thoughts of suicide please call or text 988 for support.
Benefits Counselor
Overview
A benefits counselor is someone who works with individuals who have a documented disability by reviewing existing information regarding financial assets, providing information about benefits for which someone may be eligible, or explaining changes in existing benefits. The term benefits counselor can be applied to either a certified staff person or a trained volunteer who works with the certified staff person.
Information Benefits Counselors Can Provide
-
- Insurance benefits
- Social Security benefits
- Social Security Disability benefits
- Medicare, including the prescription benefit section (Part D)
- Prescription assistance programs (for individuals not eligible for Medicare)
- Income tax benefits and credits
- Retirement benefits
- Veterans benefits
- Community-based benefits
- State program benefits, including home care alternatives
- Advocacy with agencies, if needed
- Referrals to community based organizations or government agencies
Where to Find a Benefits Counselor
-
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
- APRISE
- Veterans Affairs Offices
- County Assistance Office
- Local human service agencies
- Community-based organizations that serve the elderly and/or disabled
- Local community legal services office
This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.