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first place DPHHS doesn't really have a written definition of who's to be considered disabled. In reality what they are doing is making it very difficult for anyone to prove they are disabled, or have a disabled family member. The standard they are using is much more strict than Social Security's definition, which is very strict itself.
Many FAIM recipients are in the process of appealing Social Security disability claims. The state, though, makes them sign a contract saying they will try to become able to support their families by themselves. That contract includes a required paragraph saying the disabled person will accept any job that's offered! It is one thing to encourage work, but another thing to make people promise to jump though impossible hoops.
Finally, PLC is worried that sanctions are being imposed on people for very minor things, like mailing a document one day late. It also seems that whether or not you get sanctioned depends a lot on where you live or what worker you have. Sanctions are not being imposed in a fair way. If you are going to take away the roof, food and medicine of a family, including its children (which of course you shouldn't do at all !!), you should do it very carefully. The person should have a chance to question that decision and to work out some compromise before the ax falls.
If you or anyone you know has run into problems like these, PLC would like to hear from you. The more people who complain, the better chance of helping everyone. THERE IS NO FEE. If you live in or near Great Falls, Helena or Missoula, call Vivian Marie at 1-800-406-5567. If you live near Kalispell, Butte, or Bozeman, call Russell LaVigne at 1-800-406-5560.
PLC certainly won't be able to help every person with every problem, so please understand if you case is not accepted. Still, PLC can solve some of them! If you have just the right set of facts in your case, the lawyers may be very, very glad you called. If all concerned folks join together, perhaps we can find a better solution for all Montanans.
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