Benefits Program

Who Qualifies? What is a QA?

A Qualified Applicant (shortened to QA) is a person with Spina Bifida (or that person’s parent/guardian) who resides in Massachusetts or a New England state that does not have an SBA affiliated entity.

How much is the benefit?

The benefit for 2008 is $500 for the calendar year. Because benefits are available to each person with Spina Bifida, a family with more than one person with Spina Bifida would qualify for $500 per person with Spina Bifida.

What Kinds of Expenses Qualify?

The benefit shall be used to enhance independence, increase mobility, or otherwise improve a person’s life as s/he is affected by Spina Bifida. For example, the benefit may be used for braces, catheters, continence supplies, camp, assistive technology, and/or other approved expenses.

When Should I Apply for Benefits?

To apply for the 2008 benefit, the complete submission must be made via fax, email, online or postmarked prior to 12:00 midnight on December 31, 2008. Submission as early in the year as possible is encouraged.

How do I Apply for Benefits?

The QA must do the following or the application will not be approved:

• Complete an official sbaMass Benefits application.
• Provide proof of eligible expenses for either Reimbursement or Direct Pay.
• Submit prior to midnight on December 31, 2008 to the sbaMass contact information provided below.

Once your application and proof of eligible expenses have been received, the submission will be reviewed and voted on by the following month’s Board of Directors meeting.

NOTE: Benefits applications will be returned, with an explanation, if received without proper documentation or if denied. QA may then resubmit a compliant submission.

What do I need to do to apply?

You need to do two things:

• First, download the OFFICIAL POSTING (Word format). This document includes important information and is a must-read for all applicants.
• Second, download the OFFICIAL APPLICATION (Word format).

How else can I get these documents?

• Email Ellen Dugan at edugan@sbaMass.org
• Call the sbaMass office at (888) 479-1900
• Fax us at (978) 649-8725

Ask for the 2008 sbaMass Benefits Program Package. Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and (if available) e-mail address.