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Hi,

I am a BK Amputee and will be moving across the country to Western Massachusettes this summer.

I am also single mom to 2 great kids ages 14 & 10 yrs.  I am on BOTH SSI and SSDI and my kids currently get state aid, we all get food stamps and I already checked out Masshealth which will be MY secondary insurance to my Medicare.

I would like to get as much feedback about the area as I can such as, cost of apartment rentals, good areas to live in, quality of life programs for disabled folks, I am NOT in a wheelchair however, were prosthesis and prefer not to climb a ton of stairs.... I realize subsidized rental programs such as section 8 will be nothing more than waiting lists...

Has anyone used Dept of Rehab?  or SS 'Ticket to work'?, I have a disabled parking placard will it cost to get it there?,  what about sales tax?  PCA programs?

I realize i'm asking alot of ?s but I am moving from FAR away and really, want to get as much insight as i can.

Thanks,

Dee

I'm from Massachusetts. One question.  Why western Mass?  Seriously,  If you are going to be looking for services, you'd be better off moving closer to Boston. If not into Boston.

 

I've got CP and use crutches and a wheelchair for sports (and when I'm being lazy).  I don't use any public assistance so I'm not going to be much help with those.  I can tell you about getting your vehicle registered.  It doesn't cost anything more then a normal registration.  About $39.  The good thing is that in most cities and town you do not have to pay an excise tax (this varies from town to town).  Also, in most cities and towns you do not have to pay the parking meters.  

 

First of all Boston is a big city and I have been told that WM is the least expensive for rentals... besides, I prefer suburbs over 'cities' anyway.

What are exise taxes   my biggest concern is in public assistance services, I'm on SSI however the ss 800# told me they do not know if MA pays a State Supplement ??

dollydeedee:

 

First of all Boston is a big city and I have been told that WM is the least expensive for rentals... besides, I prefer suburbs over 'cities' anyway.

What are exise taxes   my biggest concern is in public assistance services, I'm on SSI however the ss 800# told me they do not know if MA pays a State Supplement ??

 

You can go for the suburbs if you want to, but it is really going to effect what you have available for services.  Many smaller cities and towns do not have too many programs for the disabled.  They also run their own Housing Authorities.  To be honest, coming in from another part of the country is not going to make you a priority for housing.  The towns will usually place you on a waiting list and place long time town residents in housing first. Personally, I think it's only fair.

 

I've never colleted any SSI type of assistance, but I've got a few friends that have.   I don't think the state pays a state supplement.  Once you decide what town, contact that town's state representatives office.  

 

But why Massachusettes?  Personally, I've got a few more years before retirement and I plan on leaving then at that point.  The taxes alone here are a killer.  Never mind the expense of living here. 

 

Check out the state's website at www.mass.gov    

Let Peter tell you about Massachusetts

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko-G0MAERPA

Welcome dolly

hi dolly, ir's nice to meet you and welcome. i just moved from ma. good luck finding a place to live. the western part is nice but not sure they have to offer.

She hasn't responded.

 

Think I scared her away?