For more resources, you can also call The Arc Help Desk at 1-866-797-1122 or submit an Ask an Advocate.

Life Planning

Focus on the Future is an Arc Minnesota podcast for caregivers and families supporting people who have disabilities. While exploring legal, financial, and quality of life structures, the series aims to get back to what matters most: living a fulfilling and meaningful life that is defined by each individual person.

Center for Future Planning from the Arc National, aims to support and encourage adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to plan for the future. The Center provides reliable information and assistance on areas such as person-centered planning, decision-making, housing options, and financial planning.

Charting the Life Course framework was developed by families. It helps people at any age or stage of life develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.

Person Centered Planning

It’s My Choice is a workbook that helps individuals think about their life and the kinds of things that are important to them. This information can be used to help build a person-centered plan. On each page there is a question and some words about what it means.

Person Centered Thinking Tools are a set of easy to use templates that are used to give structure to conversations. Using them is a practical way to capture information that feeds into care and support planning, as well as to improve understanding, communication and relationships.

Into Adulthood is a guidebook that was created by Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid. It outlines programs, services, and contacts that may be helpful for youth with disabilities ages 14-24.

The GetSet! Online Survey is an interactive planning tool created by The Arc Minnesota to support future planning for young adults.

My Vault is a secure, personal account anyone can use to explore planning paths and activities, store and share files, and find the links they’ve saved to their favorite articles and tools.

Decision Making

Supported Decision Making tools are from Charting the Life Course. The materials are designed to help a person, family, or a professional explore areas where any person might need decision making support, plan for what it looks like and how it can happen, and seek out the needed supports.

Center for Excellence in Supported Decision Making is a statewide resource offering free in-depth telephone consultation, referrals, information and assistance through their Guardianship Information Line.

Arc Guide to Decision Making is a document that explains different decision making supports. It also offers a list of additional resources.

Legal and Financial

We are not attorneys or financial planners. Any resources or information we give should not be considered legal or financial advice. We recommend consulting a professional before making any major decisions.

Choosing a Lawyer to Help Plan for the Future

Arc Guide to Choosing an Attorney

Arc Guide to Choosing a Financial Planner

Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship (MAGiC) has a member directory with professionals such as attorneys and financial planners.

Financial Planning Association of Minnesota explains financial planning, how to find a financial planner, offers tools and resources, has pro-bono outreach, and answers frequently asked questions.

ABLE National Resource Center is a great first stop to understand ABLE accounts. It offers a lot of background information and explains ways someone can build financial security.

ABLE Account MN is the place to go to set up an ABLE account in Minnesota.

Click here to download this resource (English).

The post Free Resources: Planning for the Future first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

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Financial planners can help you create a financial plan for the future. A plan is designed to help you reach financial goals based on your current situation and budget. You can also meet with a financial planner to update your current plan. They can help answer questions like:

• How do I increase my finances to meet my retirement, school and special needs trust goals?
• Which investments are right for me?
• Am I using my company benefits correctly?
• Am I taking full advantage of ways to reduce taxes?
• Am I insured properly for life, disability, and long-term care concerns?

How do I find a Financial Planner?

• Ask for the names of financial planning professionals from friends, neighbors, family, or business colleagues.
• Use Google or Bing to find financial planners in your area. You can also use Financial Planner Search. Look for one that has a disability and estate planning specialization.
• Make sure the financial planner is registered with FINRA, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or a state insurance or securities regulator.
  • FNRA’s BrokerCheck can help you find registration and other background information on these professionals.
• Do not rush. Do your homework looking into professionals and preparing your questions.
• Talk with several professionals. Meet them face-to-face in their offices, if possible and accessible.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Financial Planner?

Ask The Financial Planner:

• How often do you work with families who have disabilities?
• What are your areas of specialization?
• Do you have any professional designations or licenses?

• Financial planners go by many names (advisors, brokers, etc.).
• Depending on their title, some planners may need to complete tests, attend classes, or get a certificate. Some do not.
• The financial planner should be able to give you information about why they are qualified to help you.
• What is your educational or professional background?
• What products and services do you offer?
• Do they offer any protection in case something happens to their business?
• What is your investment experience?
• Do you have references?

Ask Yourself:

• Do you feel comfortable with this person?
• Can you be open with all the facts about your current money situation?
• What are your financial goals? What type of financial services do you need?
• Do you have the documents you need for the meeting?
• Assets (pay, retirement accounts, life insurance, etc.)
• Legal documents (divorce or custody papers, estate plan documents, etc.)
• Government benefit information (Social Security, Medical Assistance, etc.)
• Planning Guide, Person-centered plans, Letter of intent
• Previous Financial Plan documents

How Are Fees Typically Determined?

It is okay to ask about fees. Investment professionals are typically paid:

• An hourly fee
• A flat fee
• A commission on the investment products they sell you
• A percentage of the value of the assets they manage for you
• A combination of fees and commissions
• Ask if they receive any additional money based on the products they sell—for instance, selling a particular mutual fund or other investment product.
• Many planners provide a free consultation.

Download this guide

The post Arc Guide to Choosing a Financial Planner first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Arc Guide to Choosing a Financial Planner appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

An attorney can help you legally plan for your family’s future, this is called an estate plan. They can help you choose tools for your estate plan based on your family’s unique needs. For example, attorneys can help with:

It is important the attorney you work with understands disability law. This may include:

• Social Security
• Medical Assistance
• Other government benefits
• Special/Supplemental Needs Trusts

How do I find an attorney?

• Ask for the names of attorneys from friends, neighbors, family, or business colleagues.
• Use like Google or Bing to find attorneys in your area. You can also use Minnesota State Bar Association Directory or MAGIC Directory. Look for one that has a disability and estate planning specialization. Sometimes attorneys with estate planning background do not also have disability knowledge.
• Do not rush. Do your homework looking into professionals and preparing your questions.
• Talk with several attorneys. Meet them face-to-face in their offices, if possible and accessible.

What questions should I ask before hiring an attorney?

Questions for the attorney:

• What area of law do you practice?
• How often do you work with families who have disabilities?
• How many special/supplemental needs trusts did you develop last year?
  • An attorney who has only handled a few trusts of this type may not know all the details of a special or supplemental needs trust.
• Will you be handling my case personally?
  • If not, what kind of work will you be doing, and who in your office will be doing the rest?
  • Examples of other people who could work on your case are paralegals and associates.
• How available are you for meeting and phone calls?
  • The goal is to find out if you can meet or talk on the phone with your attorney or the person handling your case at times that are convenient for you.
• What are your charges?
  • What services are included?
  • How are extra fees assessed?
  • How will I be billed?
  • Are there elements of my estate plan that I could do myself? If I do, what do you charge to look them over?

Ask yourself:

• Do you feel comfortable with this person?
• Can you be open with all the facts in your case?
  • Your attorney cannot share information about your case without your permission.
• If making legal plans for care or management have you considered all your options? Have you talked it over with that person?
  • Examples of care or management you can seek advice on are a successor guardianship or a trustee.
• Do you have the documents you need ready for the meeting?
  • Assets (pay, retirement accounts, life insurance, etc.)
  • Legal documents (divorce/custody papers, previous estate plan documents, etc.)
  • Government benefit information (Social Security, Medical Assistance, etc.)
  • Planning Guide, Person-centered Plans, Letter of Intent
  • Financial Plan documents

How are an attorney’s fees typically determined?

Hourly Rate:  An hourly rate can range from $75 to $250 or more per hour. Your attorney should charge a reduced fee per hour for work performed by a paralegal or legal assistant.

Flat Fee:  Some attorneys charge a fixed amount, this is not as common as other types of fees and payment. This amount and the services included should be in writing. If there may be additional expenses, the process for this should be in your written agreement. It is up to you if you want to accept those additional fees.

Sliding Fee Scale:  Some attorneys charge according to their client’s income. If they provide this option, your attorney can provide you with their rates based on your income.

Download this guide

The post Arc Guide to Choosing an Attorney first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Arc Guide to Choosing an Attorney appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Eligibility

You are eligible if:

• You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI); or
• You have a disability that makes it hard to get ready to work, find a job, and keep it. VRS considers how the disability affects you and if services can help.

After your application is submitted, VRS has 60 calendar days to decide if you are eligible.

Students should apply for VRS at the beginning of 11th grade. If you have an IEP or 504 plan, contact the VRS counselor assigned to your school.

You can also apply if you are an adult who is not in school. You must attend a VRS orientation at your local Minnesota Workforce Center or VRS office. You must fill out an application.

Find your local Workforce Center at careerforcemn.com/locations or call 888-GET-JOBS (888-438-5627).

VRS cannot always help everyone eligible for services. There are limited resources. Federal law requires first helping people with the most severe disabilities. There may be a waitlist.

VRS Counselors

VRS counselors help develop an Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE). The plan helps identify work goals, service needs, and who provides services.

Counselors will make sure your IPE is:

• Complete;
• Provides services needed to reach your goals; and
• Leads to a job.

• Meet with you to determine progress on the plan.
• Offer a list of community partners that can provide additional services.

Services Provided by VRS

Job Preparation

• Informational interviewing and career exploration
• Interest and ability testing
• Vocational evaluation and planning
• Career counseling and guidance

Find a job

• Support in searching and applying for jobs
• Job counseling
• Job placement 

Support for keeping a job

• Job-site assessment and accommodations
• Assistive technology and devices

Additional VRS Services through Community Partners

• Medical and psychological testing
• Work experience while still in high school
• Training and education after high school
• Skills training. This may include:

• On-the-job training
• Formal classroom education

• Job coaching
• Supported employment

Payment

Your gross income determines how much you pay for certain services. VRS has a specific process for determining how much you may pay for services.

There is no charge for services if you receive SSI, SSDI, General Assistance (GA), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or have limited income.

Free VRS services:

• Counseling
• Vocational evaluations
• On-the-job training
• Job coaching

VRS can help pay for:

• Tuition
• Books and school supplies
• Equipment and assistive technology
• Fees

After you find a job, VRS services may continue for 90 days. After this time, VRS will close your case. You or your guardian may think you need extended services. You will need to register with a provider that offers extended employment services.

Appeals

You have the right to appeal. Reasons for appeals:

• Eligibility decisions
• Service denial
• Denial of a chosen service provider

Resources

• Disability Benefits 101
• MN Vocational Rehabilitation
• Arc Guide to Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) – PDF

For further information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)

All rights reserved (c) 2020 The Arc Minnesota. Document updated August 2020.

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Subsidized housing is money to help pay your rent.

• This will pay 60% to 70% of the total monthly cost of your rent. You will pay 30% to 40% of your monthly income to pay for your rent.

There may be a waiting list to receive subsidized housing.

Qualifications

• Low-income
• Low-income is defined by the government authority that provides the subsidy.
• Varies depending on where you live in the state and what kind of subsidized housing you want

Subsidized Housing Programs

Project-based Section 8

• Helps you pay your rent.
• Pays 70% of the total monthly cost of your rent.
• You will pay 30% of your monthly income towards the monthly cost of your rent.
• Is only for the building where you are renting.
  • You will not continue to receive this money if you move out of your building.

Section 8 Housing Vouchers

• Helps you pay your rent in a market rate unit.

• The federal government must agree the rent meets the standard for fair market rent.
• The landlord must agree to accept the federal government subsidy. The landlord must follow the government rules for the apartment you want to rent.
• Pays 60% to 70% of the total monthly cost of your rent.
• You will pay 30% to 40% of your monthly income towards the total monthly cost of your rent.
• The voucher money from the federal government is assigned to you.
• You will continue to receive this voucher money from the government to help you pay rent even if you move. You must move to an apartment that accepts this voucher.

Public Housing

• Run by local public housing authorities or local housing and redevelopment authorities.
• Helps you pay your rent.
• Pays 70% of the total monthly cost of your rent.
• You will pay 30% of your monthly income towards the total monthly cost of your rent.
• The money from the federal government is attached to the building where you are renting.
• If you move out of your building, you will not continue to receive this money from the government to help you pay rent.

Section 42 Housing

• Uses tax credits to assist the owner in building the housing.
• The landlord is required to set rent a little lower than market-rate housing.
• You will have to meet the Section 42 income guidelines to rent in a Section 42 building.
• The building will have information about the income guidelines.
• Section 42 buildings will accept the Section 8 voucher.

Market-Rate Housing

• Market-rate housing is not subsidized, unless you have a voucher.
• You will not receive money to help you pay your rent.
• You will be responsible for the entire monthly rent.

Resources

Housing Link: information and assistance for finding subsidized housing

Housing Benefits 101

Arc Guide to Subsidized Housing PDF

For more information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)

All rights reserved (c) 2020 The Arc Minnesota. Document updated June 2020.

The post Arc Guide to Subsidized Housing first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

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Self-advocacy means you are able to share your thoughts and feelings with people in your life. You can gain and practice leadership skills. Standing up for yourself and for others is also an important part of self-advocacy.

Advocating for yourself can help you live the life you choose and fulfill your hopes and dreams. You can set and achieve your goals and believe in who you are.

Self-Advocacy History

For many years, people without disabilities have made decisions for people with IDD.

Many people with IDD used to live in large institutions. Institutions were large buildings, like hospitals, where people lived. They did not live at home with their families, go to school with other kids, or work in their communities. They were not able to make choices for themselves.

People with IDD worked with other people to protect and expand their human and civil rights. They worked hard to change laws in their own states and nationwide.

People with disabilities in Minnesota went to the Capitol and advocated for themselves. This led to changes for inclusion in school and more people could get jobs. They could live more independently and create better lives for themselves.

Self-advocacy is not only about speaking up for yourself; it is also about helping others. You can expand your power and help create positive change in the world.

How to Advocate for Myself

People with disabilities can create a good life for themselves! They can do this through advocating for themselves.

Here are some examples of times when you may want to advocate for yourself:

• When you need to make a decision about something important in your life
• When you plan for your future
• When you are in relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners
• When you are at school or planning your education
• When you look for a job or while you are at work
• When you decide where you want to live
• When you are at the doctor’s office or other medical appointments
• When you choose your services and supports
• When you hire or fire your own staff
• When you use transportation

It is important to advocate for yourself. You need to communicate about things you like, things you do not like, and things you want to change!  Educating and influencing policy makers and others is also important for self-advocates.

As a self-advocate every day, you help make sure you and others with IDD are respected and treated equally. You can make important decisions. The self-advocacy saying is, “Nothing About Us Without Us”!

How to Get More Involved in Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is a learning process. Some people need to learn how to advocate through trainings, information, and resources. These are often created by experienced self-advocates.

Many self-advocates around Minnesota get together for monthly self-advocacy group meetings. Some groups are part of the Self-Advocates Minnesota (SAM) and People First networks. The Self-Advocacy Advisory Council is supported by The Arc Minnesota.

Talk to your friends who are in self-advocacy groups, or use the resources below to find ways to get involved.

Learn More About Self Advocacy

If you can access the internet, here are some good resources to learn more:

Self Advocate Net

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered

The Arc Minnesota Self-Advocacy information

The Arc Minnesota Self Advocacy Page

Arc Guide to Self-Advocacy PDF

For more information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)

All rights reserved (c) 2020 The Arc Minnesota. Document updated June 2020.

The post Arc Guide to Self-Advocacy first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Arc Guide to Self-Advocacy appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Eligibility

People who meet the following requirements:

• Are younger than full retirement age.
• Are unable to work because of a medical condition expected to last at least one year, or result in death. This does not include partial or short-term disability
• Earned enough work credits, based on total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year.
• Have earnings below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). SGA is the amount of monthly earned income that shows a person is doing significant work.
  • In 2020, if you work and your earnings average more than $1,260 a month ($2,110 if you are blind), you generally will not be considered disabled.

Medical Definition of Disability

• SSA focuses on inability to engage in any Substantial Gainful Activity. The SSA Blue Book lists qualifying impairments.
• You must be able to show medical reports that confirm you have a disability. If no reports are available, Social Security will send you to a doctor to confirm your disability.
• Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least a year
• If you are blind, there are special rules SSA uses to consider you blind. Learn more about those rules.

How to Apply

Take the following steps and fill out all documents to help your chances of approval.

1. Get the Disability Starter Kit, which includes the application and more information.
2. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request an interview. This will be over the phone or at your local Social Security office. The Arc Minnesota recommends an in-person meeting, if possible.
3. Fill out the Adult Disability Report and Adult Function Report and bring it to your interview.

After applying, SSA will review your information and make a determination. If they have more questions, they will contact you.

Decision

The determination process can generally take up to 5 months. After SSA has made a decision, they will mail an approval or denial letter and the reason why. There is a five-month waiting period for SSDI. This allows the SSA to confirm that a worker’s disability is long term. The applicant is not entitled to benefits during that time.

Appeals

If denied SSDI, you can appeal. Levels to appeals:

1. Reconsideration

You have 60 days to return reconsideration documents after receiving a denial
notice. You can provide more medical documentation and further explain your
situation.

2. Hearing

If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you may ask for a hearing. The hearing is with a law judge who had no part in the original decision or the reconsideration of your case.

3. Appeals Council

If you disagree with the hearing decision, you may ask for a review by Social Security’s Appeals Council. If reviewed, it will either decide your case, or return it to a law judge for further review.

4. Federal Court

The Appeal Council will send you a letter with their decision. If you disagree with their decision, you may file a lawsuit. The letter will explain how to do it.

Check out the SSA disability appeals website to learn more about the appeals process.

SSDI and Work

Trial Work Period (TWP)

SSA provides a TWP for people receiving benefits. This is an incentive to return to work, or start to work. During a TWP, you can work and get SSDI benefits at the same time, no matter how much you earn.

In 2020, TWP tracks income earned above $910 per month for 9 months. These months are not necessarily consecutive. This could be over a 5-year period.

A three-year Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) follows. This allows you to work and still get benefits for every month that earnings are below the SGA level. At the end of your EPE, you will keep getting benefits as long as your countable earnings are below the SGA level. Once your earnings go over the SGA level, your SSDI benefits will stop.

Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)

A PASS plan is an SSA work program. It lets a person who get Supplement Social Security Income (SSI) or SSDI save work earnings for training or other expenses to reach a work goal. Resources set aside will not count as assets.

For people on SSDI, PASS does more than just protect your benefit. It also provides “income replacement” so you don’t have to work for extra money. Putting your SSDI benefit into a PASS plan could allow you to also get SSI. This depends on the amount of SSDI used for the PASS plan expenses.

For more information or to apply contact your local SSA office or get the PASS form online. You can also get help from a Social Security PASS Cadre or a vocational counselor.

Ticket to Work (TTW)

Social Security’s TTW helps adults, ages 18 to 64, who receive SSDI or SSI and want to work. TTW is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities by connecting them with services and support they need to succeed in the workforce. Find providers at choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp.

Services offered may include:

• job coaching
• job counseling
• training
• benefits counseling
• job placement 
  

Family Member Benefits

• If you are an adult with a disability that began before age 22, you may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits.
• Children under 19 may qualify for benefits if one of your parents gets SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits, or if a parent died. You do not need to have a disability.
• If your spouse or ex-spouse qualifies for SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits, or qualified before dying, you may be able to get spouse’s benefits or Disabled Widow(er) benefits.

After getting benefits for 2 years, you and eligible family members, automatically get Medicare health coverage.

Resources

Arc Guide to SSI

Social Security Administration

Social Security Office Locator

Disability Benefits 101: tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits

Social Security Advocacy and SOAR: free assistance in applying for SSI or for appeals.

Social Security Advocacy Directory: The Minnesota Department of Human Services contracts with agencies throughout the state to assist individuals with applying for federal disability benefits

SSDI Family Benefits

For more information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)

All rights reserved (c) 2020 The Arc Minnesota. Document updated June 2020.

The post Arc Guide to Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Arc Guide to Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.

Eligibility

• The person with disabilities must be younger than 25 years old. They must live in the family home.
  • A person living in an institutional setting may be eligible for FSG, if they move to the family home if a FSG is given.
• The family annual adjusted gross income must be $105,230 or less. (Effective January 1, 2019)
  • Exceptions can be made depending on family size, other family members with disabilities, or family debt due to the child’s disability.
• The person with disabilities must be certified as disabled. This certification can come from the Social Security Administration, State Medical Review Team (SMRT), or Rule 185 Developmental Disabilities Case Management.

Individuals Are Not Eligible For FSG If They Receive:

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers
• Personal Care Assistance (PCA)
• Consumer Support Grant (CSG)

General Information

• The maximum grant is $3113.99 per year (subject to change).
• Funds can be given in cash, voucher, or by paying the provider/vendor.
• There may be a waiting list for FSG.
• Families with more than one child who meets eligibility criteria may apply for a grant for each child.

A parent/guardian interested in applying for FSG should contact the county or tribe where they live. A MnCHOICES assessment is often done to determine FSG eligibility. Most counties have an application form the parent must complete and submit.

How FSG Can Be Used

• Services and items:
  • Directly related to the individual’s disability not available from any other funding source
  • For expenses the family would not have if the child did not have a disability
  • Described in the individual’s support plan and approved by the lead agency (county or tribe)
  • Supporting transition from school to work for dependents ages 14-24

• Examples include:
  • Day care
  • Education services not paid for by the school
  • Medical costs and medication not covered by insurance
  • Respite care
  • Specialized clothing, diets, equipment
  • Transportation

FSG Cannot Pay For:

• Services paid by federal, state, or county funds
• Care provided to minor children by parent

The Plan Must Include:

• Personal information – name, address, phone, email
• A description of the person with a disability – hopes, dreams, needs, age, how the disability affects them
• How the grant helped in the past and if anything changed
• The services and items you want to purchase including:
  • How and why they are needed
  • Costs

Resources

Arc Guide to Family Support Grant PDF

Minnesota Statute 252.32

Department of Human Services Family Support Grant

Arc Guide to MnCHOICES

For more information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)

All rights reserved (c) 2020 The Arc Minnesota. Document updated June 2020.

The post Arc Guide to Family Support Grant first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

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People with disabilities have not always had voting rights. We must work to keep the right to vote.

Why bother to vote?

Elections have consequences. People we elect have the power to make laws that affect our day to day life. If you do not vote, you are leaving decisions about issues important to you in the hands of others.

Eligibility to vote in Minnesota

Citizens who meet all of the following:

• 18 or older
• Residents of Minnesota for at least 20 days
• No legal restrictions that stop you from voting due to a felony. Restrictions include currently serving a felony conviction sentence, probation, parole or supervised release.

Are people with disabilities aloud to vote?

• People with disabilities have the right to vote like any other citizen.
• People under guardianship have the right to vote unless restricted in their guardianship papers.

Registration

• You can register to vote as early as age 17 as long as you will be 18 by the time of the next election.
• You need to register again if you change your name or have moved since the last election.
• You need to register again if you did not vote in the last 4 years.

Check the status of your voter registration.

There are several ways to register to vote in Minnesota:

• Driver’s License or Minnesota ID Renewal
  • Check a box on your renewal form and be automatically registered.
• Register online
  • Provide your address, Minnesota Driver’s License or Minnesota ID. If you do not have a driver’s license or Minnesota ID, you can use the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Register using paper
  • Download a Minnesota Voter Registration Application and complete the information. The application is available in multiple languages.
  • You may see printed registration postcards to mail. However, you must pay the postage yourself.
• Registration online or by paper must be received at least 21 days before the election. It must be received by the Secretary of State’s office or county election office. After that, registration must take place at the polls.
• Register at the polls on Election Day Pick one of the following ways to provide documentation needed to register at the polls:
• Show a valid Minnesota driver’s license, Minnesota ID or Tribal ID with your name and current address on it.
• Photo identification: (expired is okay) which could include one of the following:
  • U.S. passport
  • Military or veteran’s ID
  • School issued High School
  • College or Technical College ID and some document that shows your current address. This could be a utility bill, lease, college fee statement, credit card bill, or insurance statement
• Find a registered voter from your precinct who can confirm you live at an address in the precinct.
• If you have previously voted in the same precinct during the last election, provide your updated address to poll workers.
• If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you will receive
  a Notice of Late Registration. Take card to the polling station to prove your address.
• If you live in a licensed residential facility, a staff person can confirm
  you are a resident of the precinct.  Staff needs to bring confirmation of employment.

Ways You Can Vote

• Voting Early
  Early voting in Minnesota starts 46 days before the election. Here are the ways to vote early:
• By Mail

Request an application for an absentee ballot and return to the local election office where you live.

• In person at a local elections office
• Agent delivery
  Unable to go to the polling station or county election office due to
  disabilities or illness? You may request that a person (agent) pick up your
  ballot and bring to you.
• Election Day Voting
  Polling stations are open from 7AM to 8PM.

Accessibility Assistance for Persons with Disabilities

Accommodations exist for persons with disabilities. To ensure equal access to voting, polling places are required to meet disability specific legal requirements.

• Barrier Free
  Stairs or steps cannot prevent people with disabilities from using the polling station
• Curbside Voting
  If a disability stops you from going in the building, ask for a ballot delivered to your car.
• Ballot Marking Machines
  A ballot marking machine helps you mark your ballot. It does not count votes
• Enforcing Rights
  Make a complaint if there are problems with accessibility or other issues. A complaint can be completed and returned to the county attorney for further investigation.

You will receive an “I Voted” sticker after you turn in your ballot. Wearing this sticker at your workplace or in public might encourage others to vote on Election Day. Encourage everyone you know who is eligible to vote!

Resources

www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting

Self–Advocate Voting Resources

Arc Guide to Voting PDF

For more information or advocacy services, contact The Arc Minnesota at 833.450.1494 or visit www.arcminnesota.org. (Please note: This document is not legal advice. No information should replace the advice of an attorney.)

All rights reserved (c) 2020 The Arc Minnesota. Document updated June 2020.

The post Arc Guide to Voting first appeared on The Arc Minnesota.

The post Arc Guide to Voting appeared first on The Arc Minnesota.