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Community Assistance
Client Services Trust Fund
Client Services Trust Fund is a one-time assistance fund that was established to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families to reach their goal of increased independence. The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council reviews and approves expenditures which meet the program goals.
Client Services Trust Fund Program Goals
The goals of the Client Services Trust Fund are to promote self-determination and provide for creative supports which increase participation in the community or improve an individual's quality of life.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone who is eligible to receive supports through the Division of Developmental Disabilities is eligible to apply for assistance. In all cases, the individual or family members must meet the following criteria:
- The requested item is not available through alternative programs.
- The individual or family member commits to contributing partial funding or in-kind supports.
- The individual or family member demonstrates financial need for assistance.
- Individuals requesting funding assistance to purchase a home must meet the criteria listed in the Home Purchase Application Guidelines.
What is Covered?
The Council will review and authorize expenditures for single item one-time requests, up to the limit of available funds, that assist an individual to more fully participate in his/her community or improve the quality of life. The Client Services Trust Fund does not cover on-going funding needs such as rent subsidies or therapy payments. The Council is unable to fund the purchase of vehicles, but may cover the costs of repairs and modifications to vehicles.
What are the Funding Limitations?
Each year, the Council determines the maximum amount of funds available for the program. The maximum amount of award per individual per request is $3,500.00. Individuals or their family members may make only one request per funding award period. Individuals or their families may only receive funding once per calendar year. Requests can be made for single item purchases only. Requests for computers will typically be approved for no more than $1,000.00. Diapers, if approved, will be funded for one and one half cases per month. The Council's award decisions are final.
How are Awards Determined?
Applications are ranked into three award areas:
- Health and safety - Allows for the purchase of items or supports which, if not received, would place the individual at significant risk.
- Maintenance - Allows for the purchase of items or supports that allow the individual to continue his/her current level of assisted or independent living.
- Enhancement - Allows for the purchase of items or supports that will improve or increase the individual's quality of life.
Within those areas, awards are prioritized with consideration given to:
- Amount of supports an individual already receives.
- Degree of financial need.
- Likelihood of funding to have a long-term positive impact.
- Demonstration that use of the Client Services Trust Fund will support the family's integrity and prevent the need for residential placement or that it will foster a smooth transition to more independent living (for an adult with a developmental disability).
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How Do I Apply?
You must complete an application and a financial need statement. You must include the number of people living in the household and the total household income. Applications for a home purchase must also include information contained in the Home Purchase Guidelines. Applications may be obtained through your Support Coordinator or by calling the Client Services Trust Fund Coordinator at (602) 542-0419. Applications are reviewed two times per year. Applications are due by March 1st and September 1st.
The application process takes approximately 45 days from the application deadline. If awarded, applicants will receive a letter of award which will include any additional requirements to receive the funding. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding and will be returned to the applicant. You may then reapply at the next award cycle with complete information.
Applicants should submit any additional documentation such as estimates or letters of justification to assist the Council in evaluating the request. For such things as car repairs, home modifications or home repairs, you must include at least two estimates.
Home Purchase Application Guidelines
The following additional criteria are established for those requesting Client Services Trust Fund assistance for the purpose of purchasing their own home:
- The individual must be an adult with a developmental disability seeking to live independently and be eligible to receive supports from the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
- The purchase must represent a move to a more independent setting.
- The applicant must:
- Be a first-time home buyer.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Participate in pre-purchase counseling.
- Contribute financially to the purchase opportunity.
Applicants must provide the following documentation:
- Documentation of pre-purchase counseling.
- Copy of loan pre-qualification letter from a recognized financial institution.
- Copy of final loan approval letter.
- Documentation of cost contribution.
- Documentation of alternative funding explored.
Application Click on the link to open the application. (Note: You must have Adobe Reader to open and print this document).
Completed applications should be mailed to:
Arizona Dept of Economic Security
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Client Services Trust Fund Coordinator,
Site Code 791A
P.O. Box 6123
Phoenix, Arizona 85005-6123
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