Victim Services: Resources for Victims of Impaired Driving

RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF SUBSTANCE IMPAIRED DRIVING

24/7 Help Line: 877-623-3435 madd.org/help

After I was released from the hospital I learned how to walk and talk again. My two kids were my motivation to heal. I used to work in healthcare, but after the crash I couldn’t do that any longer and needed a different career. I connected with the office of Vocational Rehabilitation in my state. They gave me the money to go back to school to get a new job. I’ve been with my company for three years now and love my job. I couldn’t have done it without the help of those programs and the support of family and friends. My life was changed forever when a drunk driver driving on the wrong side of the road crashed into me.

Sometimes we take things for granted, but our lives are so precious. Never give up, it will get better – it doesn’t seem like it, but it will.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Seeking Assistance - What to Ask?��1 Identifying Nationwide Resources��1 211.........................................................................2 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services............................................3 Crime Victim Compensation.........................4 Centers for Independent Living...................5 Assistance for Physical Needs��5 Utility Assistance.............................................5 Food Assistance...............................................6 Housing Assistance.........................................6 Local Transportation.......................................7 State-to-State Medical Transportation....7 Medication/ Prosthetic Assistance........... 8 Assistance for Finding Work��9 Vocational Rehabilitation..............................9 Assistance for Legal Issues��10 Assistance for Mental/ Emotional Needs��10 Final Thoughts��12

When victims and survivors of substance im- paired driving crashes are impacted by a crime, they often experience many types of devasta- tion. A crash can affect every area of their lives. After the crash many people don’t know where to turn for assistance. Sometimes they feel unworthy of help or feel it’s impossible to get

help for the things they need. Although there isn’t always a resource for every situation, this guide will attempt to explore some of the resources that may be available.

A crash can affect every area of a victim and survivor’s life.

Seeking Assistance – What to Ask?

Asking the questions below is an important step to gaining the information you need to succeed in this process. • How does one apply? • What are the eligibility requirements? • What is the application process? » How long will it take? » What information is needed? • What other pertinent information is important? • Are there any local coordinating services? Identifying Nationwide Resources There are several resources available on a na- tional level that may be useful for victims and survivors of substance impaired driving. Each one will have its own requirements to qualify for

services, but may be some of the best ways to get help. 211 Many networks have been created to assist people with emergency needs. The network most commonly available across the nation is an information and referral resource called 211. 211 is a service designed to connect people with their local community resources. Anyone can dial 211 on their phone to be connected with the resource line to identify different types of com- munity partners that may offer emergency help and other resources. The network also has the majority of its listings available online at 211.org. Some of the resources that 211 might have listed include getting help with the following issues:

• Utilities (Electric, gas, phone, etc.) • Food • Housing • Transportation • Medical • Mental Health • Emergency Funds • Other Physical Needs

Applying for resources can take time and energy, but may be essential for survival.

After an individual receives information about the community programs that are needed, the next step is to call or visit those locations to see if they can qualify to receive the assistance. Some programs give only a certain amount of as- sistance per month or year, while others have aid readily avail- able most of the time. Tracking down which programs can pro- vide the assistance needed can take time and effort, but it is likely one of the fastest ways to get assistance in an emergency. Each program will have different qualifications to determine eligibility to receive assistance. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides financial and medical assis- tance to those who qualify. Programs such as: • Social Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid: a federal program that is a needs based program for those who may not have an income that would support their needs. It provides financial aid that makes monthly payments for those who are considered disabled • Social Security Disability (SSD) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Medicare: a fed- eral program that pays monthly benefits to those who are consid- ered disabled and have paid into the SSD system.

Sometimes dependents can also qualify to receive federal benefits.

Sometimes even dependents can also qualify to receive benefits • Veterans Benefits • Medicaid Waiver Programs » Some waiver programs may help pay for Medicare premiums • Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) or other programs, which offer needs based assistance to help pay for living expenses. To find a state-by-state listing of offices that offer programs available through The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, go to healthfinder.gov.

If eligible, Crime Victim Compensa- tion may be able to provide significant assistance.

Crime Victim Compensation Crime Victim Compensation is a key resource for victims of crime. The program is a state fund for which victims can apply, that covers things like medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, support and counseling, if they are not covered by some other form of payment. Each state has its own separate program that determines the amount and types of coverage allowed. A victim or victim’s family member or caregiver would need to apply to determine if they are eligible to receive funds.

Centers for Independent Living Centers for Independent Living may help those, in a variety of ways, who are struggling with a disability. They provide four core services:

1. Information and referral 2. Independent living skills training 3. Individual and systems advocacy 4. Peer counseling 5. Employment services

Assistance for Physical Needs When someone is physically injured in a crash, their injuries can last a lifetime. When a loved one is killed, financial devastation To find your local Center for Independent Living, visit ilru.org.

can also be a result. Many times, the financial costs of a crash can outweigh the benefits cov- ered by insurance. Sometimes it’s a matter of finding short term solutions to help with an emer-

Insurance will often not cover all of the expenses faced by victims and survivors.

gency situation. Other times, people have to make new choices and change the way they live in order to cope with the devastation. The fol- lowing are some of the types of assistance that are commonly needed after a crash: Utility Assistance Along with many other expenses, utility ex- penses may be a challenge to pay when a victim and survivor is unable to work for a period of time. Victims and survivors can contact their utility provider to see if they have an assistance

Food Assistance There are many programs available for people in need of food assistance. Most communities will have some options available, which may include a long term need. • Victims and survivors can contact their local food bank. • Some churches or even grocery stores in an area may give away food on specific days of the week or for holidays. • State food assistance may be available for households and individuals that qualify. Visit fns.usda.gov. program for people who may be behind on their bills. Often the assistance will come in the form of a reduced bill or payment plan. This is a good avenue for electricity, water, gas, and phone.

Housing Assistance When a victim and survivor is unable to get to work and has lost wages, it can be difficult or even impos- sible for them to make ends meet. Families or individuals at risk for losing their home may be able to find help through emergency as- sistance programs.

For rental or mortgage assistance, check with the local housing authority, or to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), at hud.gov. Often, emergency assistance programs, which may be found by calling 211, may offer a one-time rental assistance payment as well.

Local Transportation When a crash oc- curs, the victim and survivor’s only means of transportation may be damaged or destroyed. They may be unable to drive due to injuries and need

Reaching out for assistance as soon as you can may make

a difference in your long term success.

State-to-State Medical Transportation Sometimes it’s necessary for someone with serious injuries to travel to get the medical as- sistance they need to heal. It can be difficult to afford the high cost of medical transportation. For out-of-state medical transport, a victim and survivor can contact the Air Charity Network, aircharitynetwork.org. The organization that serves your area may provide air transportation free of charge under specific qualifications. transportation to get to their medical appoint- ments, work, or to simply pick up groceries. There may be assistance available to help them get to where they need to go. Whether it’s for a medical transport or getting to work, many communities will have assistance with transportation. • The Red Cross, redcross.org, at times will provide transportation assistance. • Many communities offer assistance with transportation to the disabled using city- owned buses or vans. • Medicaid offers Medicaid recipients trans- portation to medical appointments. • Some communities or emergency as- sistance programs offer one-time car repair grants.

Medication/ Prosthetic Assistance Medications after a crash may become an addi- tional burden on a victim and survivor’s budget. Struggling to pay for needed medications may cause them to choose between which bills to pay and which to skip. Victims and survivors can contact the manu- facturer of their medication, or their doctor to find out if they can provide free samples or supplies. Most drug manufacturers have this service available. Check eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare or Veterans Assistance. All three offer provisions for prescription benefits. Prosthetic limb assistance can be a challenge for those who have lost a limb. Organizations such as the Limbs for Life Foundation, limbsforlife.org, may be very helpful in identify- ing resources to help with prosthetic limbs.

Medical transporta- tion may be available to get the medi- cal attention you need.

Assistance for Finding Work Often after a crash, victims and survivors may not be able to work for a period of time. Sometimes after a short period of time they can go back to work at their old job, sometimes they are unable to return to work, or lose their position at their current job. It’s important to be able to explore options available to enter a new career or find a job in your old career.

There may be financial as- sistance that can help pay for education to enter a new career.

Vocational Rehabilitation An injured victim and survivor can contact their state and local vocational rehabilitation office to inquire about assistance related to employment options for people with disabilities and injuries. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), a statesup- ported division of services, assists individuals with disabilities and injuries who are pursuing meaningful careers. VR assists individuals with getting back to work by providing local job searches, selfemployment, telecommuting and educational opportunities. Sometimes they will pay for certain expenses to help get people back to work. To find a state-by-state listing, go to rsa.ed.gov/about/states. The U.S. Department of Labor also provides services to help people find work. They offer assessments, job listings, and a list of workers’ rights at beta.dol.gov/job-seekers

Assistance for Legal Issues Many people dealing with the consequences of a substance impaired driving crash need legal advice or assistance to navigate the civil or criminal justice systems, to understand what their rights are as victims of crime, or to bring a suit against the offending party. However, it can be difficult to find an attorney to represent them. The State Bar Association may be able to pro- vide a referral for legal aid services instate. They will often also have listings for attorneys who provide different types of legal expertise, such as personal injury, family law, etc.

In addition, many communities offer pro bono legal as- sistance via legal aid clinics. And some universities with law schools often

Legal aid is often linked to income.

manage their own pro bono clinics. Check with your local universities to see if such assistance is available. Another resource to be aware of is the National Crime Law Institute, which may be able to provide information about crime vic- tim’s rights and state laws. Visit their website at: ncvli.org/ Assistance for Mental/ Emotional Needs After a crash nearly everyone impacted can benefit from some type of mental health assis- tance. It may be difficult for a victim and survivor to afford these services when they are already

struggling with the financial burdens that have been placed on them. Here are some resources that may help: • Mental health benefits may be available through a victim and survivor’s insurance medical coverage. Each policy is different so benefits will vary. • Sometimes employers provide assistance via an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Typically an EAP will provide short term sessions, usually over the phone with a therapist. • Many mental health or counseling agencies provide short-term counseling on a sliding- scale or payment plan basis. • Some churches or other faith-based or- ganizations offer counseling by leaders or trained members. • Support groups can be another place to look for assistance. Parents of Murdered Children is one source, pomc.org, an- other is Compassionate Friends at compassionatefriends.org. The Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator through SAMHSA provides informa- tion and referrals to alcohol or substance abuse treatment centers and mental health centers across the nation. findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Sometimes speaking with other victims can provide great support.

Connecting With MADD For some, enduring trauma ignites a spark of activity to right some of the wrongs involved in a sudden violent death. Most victims/survivors want to prevent it for others. Thousands of men, women and teenagers have joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving after their loved ones were killed to make a difference in their communities. Some people find it helps them enormously to work to end drunk driving and victimization. It can feel as though it is the one activity that might bring something constructive out of their loss.

Call the 24-Hour Victim Help Line at 1-877-MADD-HELP (877-623-3435) to be connected to a MADD Victim Advocate who will be ready and willing to listen and help. You can also visit us online at madd.org/help . You are not alone. To talk with someone about what you are going through, to find resources, or to get involved:

24/7 Help Line: 877-623-3435

madd.org/help

MADD does not discriminate against individuals or groups, either in em- ployment or in the delivery of services or benefits, on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, income, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, medical condition, disability, veteran status, partisan considerations, or genetic information. If you believe your civil rights have been violated please reach out to the U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Civil Rights (https://www.justice.gov/crt or US Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Civil Rights Division, Washington, DC 20530, or phone 202) 514-4609 Telephone Device for the Deaf (TTY) (202) 514-0716).

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator