Disability rights

[EitanWaks]

Hi,
I just recently moved to Massachusetts. I also just recently got my US citizenship. I had a green card for a long time.

I've never actually worked for pay because I'm a college student. Do I get any tax benefits due to my disability (C4/5 quadriplegic) when I start working?

In fact, I know pretty much nothing about my rights. Can anyone point me in the right direction (web site) or explain what I am entitled to?

Thanks for all of your help,
Eitan Waks

[Saorsa]

You can find a wealth of information on the official Americans with Disabilities Act site: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

Also, no tax breaks, unfortunately :(

[SCI-Nurse]

Your local independent living center (ILC) can educate you about disability rights. Entitlements are not going to be much if you have not previously paid into Social Security in this country, and if you are going to school, I assume you are planning on getting a job, so probably would not be eligible anyway.

Some states give tax breaks to people with disability for property tax, but I don't know any that give an income tax break. The feds certainly do not, although there are some of your disability related expenses that you can write off on your taxes. A good tax consultant can help you with this.

(KLD)

[wheelchairTITAN]

"Disability rights" are an oxymoron! William