Hi,

Such a great discussion! Ditto everything said. I’d also recommend sharing resources about self determination and financial literacy if asked about rebates. (Does Charting the Life Course have any good stuff on financial planning?)

Also, just as a reminder NACDD is working with NAST and ABLE administrators on a program in a box that will focus on the importance on opportunities created by rebates. (Preview: It’s a great opportunity to talk about self-determination and supported decision making!)

You can spend rebates any way you want but this is a good opportunity to save. Rebates are not benefits. People should make informed decisions on how to spend their money. Issues we are examining in the forthcoming materials:

1. Self-direction and the importance of supported decision making.

2. Examples of ways to spend the rebate?

-Spend on immediate wants or needs (eg purchase device to connect to internet to help communicate with telehealth and stay connected to community)

-Save for a rainy day or Invest in future spending on big ticket items (ABLE)

Thanks everyone!

Erin Prangley

Director, Policy

NACDD

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While all of that is true, it is my understanding that if a person owes back child support (and its paid through a state operated program), a state can garnish all or part of the $1,200. Child support is the only exception. States cannot garnish any of it for taxes owed (and neither can the federal government).

Rachel London, Esq
Executive Director
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
410.767.3786

On Mon, May 4, 2020, 12:37 PM Shannon, Dan (ADD) <xxxxxx@state.ma.us> wrote:

Sorry Yvonne. I mistakenly hit send before I finished.

There are no restrictions on use of the money. There are also no limitations on what it can't be used for. If someone is looking to get child support from another, these finds are no different than cash in the bank, and subject to asset rules. At last until a court says otherwise.

From: Shannon, Dan (ADD)
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 12:31 PM
To: ITACC List Serve (xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com); VI Developmental Disabilities Council Inc.
Subject: Re: Use of COVID-19 Stimulus Payment

There are no restrictions on use of the money.

From: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com <xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com> on behalf of VI Developmental Disabilities Council Inc. <xxxxxx@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 12:20 PM
To: ITACC List Serve (xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com)
Subject: Use of COVID-19 Stimulus Payment

CAUTION: This email originated from a sender outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts mail system. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Exec. Directors:

I received two calls from persons asking clarification on the use of the $1,200 stimulus check. They were told it can be used for outstanding debts, i.e. child support payments. Can anyone shed this light on this matter?

Thanks,

Yvonne D. Petersen
Territorial Executive Director
VI Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc.

E-mail: xxxxxx@gmail.com
Work/Home Office Phone: (340) 719-0076

Mobile: (202) 615-6369

E-mail: xxxxxx@viddc.org

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