Action Plan - Applying For Assistance

For Paulding County Residents

 

There are many ways to get assistance within your county.� The following steps will explain how to find the assistance you qualify for from public agencies as well as where to obtain assistance through organizations in your community.��

 

Step 1 ��� Apply for public assistance.

 

1.� Department of Family and Children Services

Paulding County DFCS

1387 Industrial Blvd. N.

P.O. Box 168

Dallas, GA  30132

770-443-7810 

Call ahead of time to see if you need an appointment to apply for assistance.� When you apply take the following:

***Very important: �Take a Picture ID, Social Security card for all people in household, Green Card/immigration papers

Copy of bills � mortgage, utilities, car payments, insurance, child care bills, etc.

Proof of income for household (both spouses if married)� � pay stubs for at least a month, child support payments, alimony payments, etc.****

   

� Temporary Assistance for Needy Families � Based on very low or no income for the household     

� Food Stamps � You may qualify even if employed � based on total income for household and expenses� Childcare Assistance � Based on total income of household � refer to:

��������������������http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/02/channel/0,2188,3815890_4680163,00.html� Medicare � Insurance for uninsured children � based on income�������������������� (if you do not qualify for Medicare ask about Peachcare)

� WIC � Food program for children under 4 years old�������������������� For more info:� www.fns.usda.gov/wic

2.� Health Department � 770-443-7881�����

451 Jimmy Campbell Parkway

Dallas, GA� 30132� Hours: M&W 8-5, Tu 9-5, Th 8-7, Fr 8-2

Apply for WIC � a free food program for low-income pregnant women, mothers with babies, and children up to age 5.� �

Also offers immunizations,� screenings for hearing, vision, & dental, and other services.

For more info:� www.fns.usda.gov/wic

 

3.� Paulding County Collaborative 770-443-1660 & Right from the Start Medicaid � 770-443-7838

445 Paulding Lane

Dallas, GA� 30132

Referals for service � also for Right from the Start Medicaid include:� Medicaid eligibility determined for pregnant women and children under 19 yrs; Georgia Partnership for Caring Program (see more info under Step 2), and Peachcare (see more info under Step 2).�� Help with diapers, formula, and children�s clothes.

For more Information:� www.state.ga.us/departments/dhr/facright.html

 

4.� Free School Lunch - if you have children in Public schools � obtain a application from your school or cafeteria manager to apply for the free lunch program (Ex:� Family of 4 can have a salary up to $29,767 for free and 35,798 for reduced lunch). � If on food stamps � you automatically qualify for the free lunch program. (Be sure to fill in your case number on the form to expedite)

 

 

Step 1 � Public Assistance Notes:______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Step 2 � Look at Finances/Bills/Budget

 

It is very important to contact your creditors and utility companies BEFORE you get behind on payments.�� Often they will work out partial payment arrangements with you if you are proactive and contact them before you become delinquent.

 

1. Call your mortgage company and ask if one payment can be added to the end of the mortgage, if you can pay interest only payments for a specified time, or if they will spread any past due amounts over the next few months.�

2. Contact your bank concerning any loans you have � and ask if a payment can be added to the end of the loan � if a grace period can be extended � or if a lower payment can be made until you are able to make full payments.

3. Contact Utility Companies BEFORE they become overdue and see if a payment plan can be arranged.� Also inquire about agencies that might assist you in paying your bill.

4. Pay your bills with cash on hand � you can get assistance for food easier than for money.

5. Trim excess expenses � go to standard cable, basic phone services, free or low-cost internet services, and basic cell phone services or disconnect until you can afford it.

6. Look into a loan on your 401K if necessary. 7. Use the online budget calculator at

http://www.crown.org/Tools/budgetguide.asp - good baseline for developing a budget.�

8. Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 404-527-7630 � they will work with your creditors and work out payment arrangements.

Note:� The agencies below that will assist you with rent, utilities, etc. � however they may only cover a bill for 1 month.� Try to contact at the beginning of the month � funds are usually dispersed then.

9. Contact Helping Hands of Paulding County � 770-443-1230 10. CAYA (Come as You Are) Reconciliation Ministries -� 678-363-7366

Financial assistance toward rent, gas, and other utility bills.  People can make their requests over the phone.* FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS ONE-TIME DEAL PER YEAR.

11. Contact St. Vincent De Paul Society � 770-443-1533 12. Tallatoona Paulding Human Resource Dev Center � 770-445-4171

 

 

Step 2 � Bills Notes:______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Step 3 � HealthCare and Prescription Coverage

 

If you have lost your job � check with the benefits department from your last employer to find out the cost to continue your health insurance under Cobra.� You can usually extend your health insurance for 2 years � however if you can not afford the premium � you can contact the agencies below to apply for coverage.�� If you are employed but uninsured � contact the agencies below to see if you and your family qualify for healthcare programs.

 

1.� Call Powerline at 770-451-5501 or 800-822-2539.� or www.hmhbga.org/powerline/

Georgia's only toll-free hotline dedicated to providing Medicaid approved healthcare referrals and information for free or low-cost healthcare and public health programs (for men, women, and children).� (referral information in English and Spanish)

 

 

2.� Insurance Coverage - Adults

 

If you are not eligible for public health coverage programs (Medicare or Medicaid) nor have any private health care insurance - and total income for the applicant�s family is at or below poverty level � you may qualify for assistance with a reduced fee or free doctors visit and free medications (not all prescriptions) through the Georgia Partnership for Caring Foundation.� You can call 1-800-809-7276 to get a local phone number to contact a Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) Outreach Project worker.� For more information:� www.gacares.org

 

3.� Insurance Coverage � Children - (if the children do not qualify for Medicare)

 

Low Cost HealthCare offered to uninsured Children (There is no cost for children under age 5. Currently, the cost per month for PeachCare for Kids coverage is $10 to $35 for one child and a maximum of $70 for two or more children living in the same household.).� Peachcare will cover all medical, dental, prescriptions, and optical� contact PeachCare � 877-GA-PEACH�� (do ASAP � takes about 2 months to activate coverage).� Once you receive your cards � contact your primary care provider for your children � fill out paperwork and submit to get a sticker for your card.� Your child will not be covered unless you do this step!

 

For more information:� www.peachcare.org � apply online!

4.� Prescription Coverage

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON PRESCRIPTIONS

 

Ask your physician�s office if there are any samples available.

Ask your physician if you can substitute a generic drug for the brand name.

Ask your pharmacist to recommend a less expensive substitute, then check with your physician to make sure the substitutions are appropriate for you.

Shop around at different drug stores for the best price.� Be sure the pharmacist knows all the medications you are taking including any over the counter medications.

Find out how long you will have to take the prescribed medication so you do not end up with more of the medication than you may need.

Ask if your pharmacist is willing to match a lower price offered by another pharmacy/drugstore.

Ask your pharmacist about senior discounts.

You may be able to purchase less than the full prescription, if you are only able to buy a portion of the medication at a time.� Discuss this with your pharmacist.

If you/or your spouse have been in the military, you may be able to get your medications at lower cost.� Contact the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to update your address at 1-800-538-9552.� Tricare is the Pharmacy program for the military and can be reached at 1-800-903-4680.� You may also contact the Atlanta VA at 404-321-6111.

MANUFACTURERS DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS�

 

If you have Medicare, several drug companies have developed a discount drug card.� It is free to enroll with these companies and they offer discounts varying from 20% - 70% off your prescription cost.� Most local pharmacies will accept these cards.� To be sure, discuss these programs with your local pharmacist.� Income limits may vary depending upon the number of people per household.� Call for further information and to ask about specific drug coverage on these programs.

 

 

GlaxoSmithKline Orange Card:� Call 1-888-672-6436 for information.� Patients can participate in either the Orange Card or the Together RX.� Annual Income Below:� $30,000/Individual or $40,000/Couple.

 

 

Eli Lilly�s Lilly Answers Card:� ��Call 1-877-795-4559 for information.� At participating pharmacies, pay $12.00/prescription for a 30-day supply.� Annual Income Below:� $18,000/Individual or $24,000/Household.

 

 

Pfizer for Living Share Card:� Call 1-800-717-6005 for information.� Pay $15.00/prescription for a 30-day supply at participating pharmacies.� Annual Income Below:� $18,000/Individual or $24,000/couple.

 

 

Together Rx Card:� Call 1-800-865-7211 for more information. Receive 20% - 40% savings on select drugs.� Several drug companies participate:� Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis.� Annual Income Below:� $28,000/Individual or $38,000/Couple.�

 

DRUG ASSISTANCE WEB SITES

 

 

www.NeedyMeds.com ����������� www.aarppharmacy.com �������������������

www.phrma.org ����������������������www.familymeds.com������������www.rxassist.org ��������������������www.helpingpatients.org ��������������������

www.RxHope.com �����������������www.drugstore.com ���������������

www.Medicare.gov �����������������www.themedicineprogram.com

www.rxaminer.com ����������������www.benefitscheckuprx.com

 

Step 3� - Insurance Notes:_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Step 4 � Food and Clothing Assistance

 

Contact the agencies below � the food is at no cost or you can purchase for a small fee.

 

Warehouse of Hope, Inc.

www.warehouseofhope.org

100 Hunter RoadDouglsaville, GA 30134

770-489-0509The suggested donation to shop is $7.00.� Shopping is not based on income, anyone may come once a week and pick up a free box of food without any donation as well.Food Ministry - Hours of Operation (Open to the Public)Tuesday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pmWednesday: 9:00 am to 2.00 pmThursday: 9:00 am to 2.00 pmand 4.30 pm to 8.00 pmClothing Ministry - Hours of operation(Open to the Public)

Tuesday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pmWednesday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pmThursday: 9:00 am to 2.30 pmand 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm

 

Angel Food Ministries (Douglasville) - $21 for fresh meats, fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and staple items.  770-942-3121

To find closest location:� www.angelfoodministries.org/default.htm

  

Helping Hands of Paulding County

240 Professional Court

Dallas, GA

770-443-1230 Help with food, rent, utilities, meds, etc.

 

CAYA (Come as You Are) Reconciliation Ministries� 678-363-7366

Give out bread and pastries weekly, groceries once a month, delivery of groceries to people's homes when possible.� Clothing Closet.

***PEOPLE CAN CALL FOR PRAYER AND COUNSELING.

 

Bethany Christian Church

3264 Villa Rica Highway

Dallas, GA� 30157

770-445-3181

Food Pantry is open Thursday 5:00PM to 8:00PM.�

 

New Beginnings Food Outreach, Inc.

4375 Cobb Pkwy  Acworth  770-386-3419 or 770-529-5828 or 770-974-0076

Fridays - 11:00 to 2:00 PM

 

Allatoona Community Clothing & Food Ministry

Redemption Baptist Church

4160 New Hope Road (off Glade Road)

770-529-0509� 770-974-4454

Food available to needy families Thursday 11AM.

 

St. Vincent De Paul Society � 770-443-1533

680 West Memorial Drive� Dallas, GA� 30132

Emergency assistance with food, rent, utilities or medicine.

 

Tallatoona Paulding Human Resource Dev Center

329 S. Johnston Street� Dallas, GA� 30132

770-445-4171

Emergency Utilities, Rent, surplus food, winter energy assistance program, and takes applications for local Head Start and Pre-K program.

 

 

 

Step 4 Notes:______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Step 5 �� Call 211 or http://211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/

 

United Way has lists of resources for assistance � check with them to see what other assistance is available in your area of need.

 

 

Step 5 - United Way Notes:____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

The following information is for specific needs:

 

If a women is in need of emergency housing - contact:

Sheperd�s Rest Ministries Battered Women�s Shelter � 770-443-5213

The shelter provides women and children with emergency housing, emergency transportation, food, and clothing.� Also counseling and assists women with employment search.

 

To get assistance with child support - contact Paulding�s Georgia Child Support Enforcement Office

1387 Industrial Blvd NSuite 102Dallas GA 30132-Phone: 770-443-7841Fax: 770-443-7888

Customer Service Hotline 1-800-227-7993

For more information:� http://www.cse.dhr.state.ga.us/index.html

 

Pregnancy Support � contact Paulding Pregnancy Services, Inc.

1899 Lake Road.� Suite 120� Hiram, GA� 30141

770-222-6911

Free Pregnancy Tests, On-going counseling, Maternity clothes, Baby Items - For more information:� www.pauldingpregnancy.com

 

 

Step 6 � Be sure to make time for fun and relaxation

 

When going through difficult times � it is important to find time to relax and to have fun - it can help you keep a positive attitude.� Some great ideas � free or low-cost:

 

1. Go to your local library and check-out books and videos.� There is no charge for checking out videos � pop some popcorn and have a movie night!

2. Look through your paper (online - AJC.com � AccessAtlanta.com) and find free events in your community � concerts � art exhibits � parades � much to do in Metro Atlanta!

3. Contact your counties Parks and Recreation Department and see if they have any free activities for families.

4. The Georgia Parks Department offers events at parks throughout our state.�� Go to their website for more information:�

http://www.gastateparks.org//

5. Pack a picnic and go to a favorite spot outdoors for dinner � enjoy a sunset�

6. Go to your Chamber of Commerce and get a guide to your county � make a trip to see historic sites.

7. Take your bike and ride on the Silver Comet Trail � beautiful scenery and good exercise!

8. Go camping � great way for a family to get away and enjoy the outdoors (at one of our state parks � link is above) or even camp in your backyard � make Smore�s - look at the stars�

9. Contact Local Churches and find out what activities they have for members in your family.�

10. �Go to a local high school ball game �- bring a thermos filled with hot chocolate to a football game � and feel the enthusiasm!

11. �A good way to reduce stress � EXERCISE - take a walk � or ride a bike � jog � swim at a city pool�

12. �Volunteer � in helping others you will find great reward. 13. �Attend a service at a local church.� The messages can be very

inspiring and can really make a difference in your week.

 

Remember � God loves you � and is there for you during this difficult time.�

�If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to Me and I will give you

rest... rest for your soul.�

Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

If you have a specific need that is not addressed in this action plan please contact:

Hope for the Hurting Ministryemail:� Hope4THEHURTING@BELLSOUTH.NET

Website:� http://www.hopeforthehurting.com