On HASA and You're a Student?

Here’s something that your HRA Caseworker probably has not shared with you.   

Did you know that HRA (aka Dept of Social Services) will reimburse your public transportation costs for each day that you are in attendance?  They may even prorate the amount.  

Go to your assigned HRA office and ask for form W-700D it’s a 2 page form (front and back or copied on separate pages)  Get your attendance records for the semester, and past semesters.  Make blank copies of the W-700D (you will need to fill this out and submit at the end of every semester (you can also do it once per month) and submitted to your HASA Caseworker or Financial Worker (best to submit it to your Caseworker), and make sure copies are made and that your sign and you are given your proof of services received every time you visit HRA.  

It could take a month or two but the money will be available through your EBT (SNAP) card.

Be sure to ask your Caseworker if there are any other allowances for students whether it’s an accredited college, technical training, or trades trades training institution you are entitled to these benefits.  

You don’t have to be on Public Assistance forever… The fact that you are in school shows that you looking to make a change and you deserve all the assistance you can get!

Get it!

Have a HAART... (part II)

A lot happened over the weekend….

I started HIV-treatment… just 3 pills a day… I’m feeling just fine… no side effects

I also, went on a date… first date in a very very very long time.  Had a wonderful time… we did kiss… first kiss in over 2 years for me… He says that he would like to see me again… He is HIV negative; that kicked up a few things with me.  This would be first for me as well; I have only ever dated someone that is pozitve since my diagnosis 10 years ago.

Let’s see… what else… I started taking lessons in sign language… 1-on-1 for an hour on Sundays.  

I am still transitioning off of public assistance.  Starting next month, I will be paying about 90% of my rent… I can still receive Food Stamps for about a year and keep Medicaid because my employer doesn’t offer health insurance at this time.

In just 2 months, I will be 40 years old.  I am still working on my 40lbs by 40yo Challenge.  I need to lose 13 more pounds.  However, I am not sure how much fat I have actually lost.  I know that I have gained muscle and my waist size is getting smaller. So, there is a chance that I might hover around my current weight of 171lbs  if I continue to gain muscle mass and shed some fat.  Anyway, I feel great.

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Just wanted to give a quick update on what’s happening with me.