Parents and students who have questions about how going to work can affect Social Security disability checks and other benefits can turn to the Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) projects that operate in Maryland:
Benefits InfoSource – This outreach project is operated by Independence Now!, an independent living center that serves individuals who live in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, Southern Maryland, Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore.
Benefits Resource Center – This outreach project is operated by Making Choices for Independent Living, Baltimore’s center for independent living. The Benefits Resource Center offers services for residents of Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties.
Other Links of Interest
Independence Now! – A nonprofit, non-residential organization created by people with disabilities that promotes independence and the community inclusion. Includes information on the annual Maryland Youth Leadership Forum.
Schwab Learning.org - For parents of youth with learning disabilities, this site offers information on financial aid for education before college.
Disability Benefits 101.org - This is an excellent site that provides benefits planning calculators, whether the concern is what happens to benefits when your student goes to work, changes jobs, or goes off to school.
The Parents’ Place of Maryland – Resource information and support for parents of children with disabilities.
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities – Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this website brings together a wealth of information for families of children and youth with disabilities.
Family Village – Resources for people with disabilities and their families.
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) – Helps citizens across the state learn about and obtain assistive technology (link to glossary). They also administer the Maryland Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program.
FinAid – Everything you ever wanted to know about applying for financial aid, including a financial aid calculator (determine your Expected Family Contribution). Look for little known, unique scholarships that the Financial Aid Office may not even know about!
The George Washington University HEATH Resource Center – This is the National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for individuals with disabilities. From living on a college campus, to financial aid, to selecting a college that can accommodate your disability, this site provides a wealth of information to help you make important decisions.
Teen Workers is a valuable resource for parents of working teens, providing useful tips to assure that the workplace is a safe and healthy place for teen workers.