Simplify the Journey, Lydia Sheehey

Simplify the Journey, Lydia Sheehey Receive guidance, coaching, and resources from an experienced parent navigating the MA adult special needs system of financial benefits and services for years.

Offers consultations, workshops, trainings, and presentations. www.simplifythejourney.net

SNAP Healthy Incentive ProgramEat Healthy, Get Paid Back!********If you’re receiving SNAP benefits in Massachusetts, don...
05/28/2026

SNAP Healthy Incentive Program
Eat Healthy, Get Paid Back!
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If you’re receiving SNAP benefits in Massachusetts, don’t miss out on the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). It’s one of the easiest ways to stretch your food dollars while eating fresh, local foods. 🌽🍎

Here’s how it works:
When you use your EBT card to buy fruits and vegetables directly from participating farmers’ markets, you automatically get money back on your card, up to a monthly limit of $40, $60, or $80 based on your household size.

✔️ Buy fresh, healthy produce
✔️ Support local Massachusetts farmers
✔️ Get reimbursed right onto your EBT card

It’s that simple. No extra forms, no coupons. Just swipe your card and save.
This program is a great way to make nutritious food more affordable while investing in your local community. If you’re already using SNAP, you are eligible!

👉 Learn more and find participating vendors near you:
https://www.mass.gov/hip

Subsidized Housing Waiting Lists********Thank you, MassFamilies, for hosting me on Saturday for “Advocate While You Navi...
05/21/2026

Subsidized Housing Waiting Lists
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Thank you, MassFamilies, for hosting me on Saturday for “Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026”.

One important topic we addressed was the issue of waiting lists for subsidized housing. These lists can be very long. Some waiting lists remain closed for years with no indication of when they may reopen.

It is important to apply to multiple waiting lists when possible rather than relying on just one. Even after applying, there is often no estimated timeframe for how long the wait may be.

After applying, keep copies of all applications, report any address changes, confirm continued interest when required, and respond promptly to all mail and notices. Missing deadlines or failing to update information may result in removal from a waiting list.

View the status of some subsidized housing waiting lists in Massachusetts.

Federal Changes Affecting MassHealth Members********The federal government is implementing changes to Medicaid programs ...
05/14/2026

Federal Changes Affecting MassHealth Members
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The federal government is implementing changes to Medicaid programs nationwide.

These changes include new work or education requirements, also known as community engagement requirements, and more frequent eligibility checks for certain MassHealth members. Changes will also affect which immigrants qualify for MassHealth. These changes will not impact most members.

The information MassHealth has about these changes is incomplete. MassHealth expects the federal government to provide more details by Summer 2026. As they learn more, they’ll update this webpage.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/federal-changes-affecting-masshealth-members

Working While Receiving Concurrent Benefits: SSI and SSDI********Working while receiving both SSI + SSDI? Here’s how it ...
04/29/2026

Working While Receiving Concurrent Benefits: SSI and SSDI
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Working while receiving both SSI + SSDI? Here’s how it actually works:
SSI is a “top-up” benefit, so Social Security looks at both your SSDI and your wages to calculate your new SSI amount.

Monthly Formula:
SSI Benefit – (SSDI – $20) – [(Wages – $65) ÷ 2] = Adjusted SSI

*Note: Students under the age of 22 can exclude wages from the SSI calculation: up to $2,410 per month, with a maximum exclusion of $9,730 per year.*

How to think about it:
• SSDI reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar (after a $20 exclusion)
• Wages are treated more favorably. After a $65 exclusion, only half of the wages count
• Working and receiving SSDI will lower SSI or potentially eliminate it

Bottom line: Many people can work, receive SSDI, and still keep some SSI. It is all about how the math works.

Understanding Concurrent Benefits: SSI and SSDI********Some are surprised to learn that you can receive both SSI (Supple...
04/21/2026

Understanding Concurrent Benefits: SSI and SSDI
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Some are surprised to learn that you can receive both SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) at the same time. This is called concurrent benefits.

Understanding how the SSI portion is calculated is key to making sure you are getting the full amount for which you are eligible.

• SSDI is based on your work history (or a parent’s).
• SSI is a needs-based program with strict income and asset limits.

If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can “top you off” to the maximum SSI federal benefit rate + $20.

Working and Receiving SSI: Here is What You Need to Know********If you are earning a paycheck, your wages can affect you...
04/15/2026

Working and Receiving SSI: Here is What You Need to Know
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If you are earning a paycheck, your wages can affect your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI counts part of your earnings, which may reduce your monthly benefit, but it doesn’t always mean you lose all of your SSI benefit.

Reporting your income and knowing how much of it is countable income can help you avoid overpayments and/or underpayments. Know how to determine your eligible SSI benefit amount.

Thank You, Riverside Family Support Center“Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026”Highlighting the SSI R...
04/09/2026

Thank You, Riverside Family Support Center
“Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026”
Highlighting the SSI Restoration Act
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Thank you, Riverside Family Support Center, for the opportunity to speak again last night on “Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026.”

The conversation brought together thoughtful discussion on both recent policy advancements and the work that still lies ahead across key programs such as SSI, SSDI, SNAP, MassHealth, housing supports, and ABLE accounts.

I hope those who attended found a few takeaways that felt especially meaningful to them and feel encouraged to continue engaging, asking questions, and advocating in the areas that matter most.

One important bill highlighted and discussed was the SSI Restoration Act.

View the slide deck here:
https://www.simplifythejourney.net/stjpresentations

Massachusetts Family Leadership Program"Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026"******** Thank you Maryan...
03/25/2026

Massachusetts Family Leadership Program
"Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026"
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Thank you Maryann Welch and Haran Phaneuf for the invitation to speak this past Saturday again at the Massachusetts Family Leadership Program on “Advocate While You Navigate Financial Benefits in 2026.”

It was, as always, an engaging and interactive session, covering recent policy progress as well as the continued need for advocacy across programs such as SSI, SSDI, SNAP, MassHealth, subsidized housing, and ABLE accounts.

I hope participants left feeling empowered to carry forward the topics that resonated most with them and incorporate those insights into their ongoing advocacy efforts.

View the slide deck here:
https://www.simplifythejourney.net/stjpresentations

I’m excited to present on this topic again for the Riverside Family Support Center on April 8, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to register if you’d like to join us.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocate-to-navigate-financial-benefits-training-with-lydia-sheehey-tickets-1985461714435?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Andover, MA

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