the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

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<strong>Texas</strong> Advocacy GuideFor more comprehensive information about Crime Victims’ Compensation and victims of domestic violence andhow you can assist as an advocate, see Chapter 14 in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Texas</strong> Advocates’ Guide.TaxesVarious tax credits and protections are potentially available to survivors (and o<strong>the</strong>rs). Individuals mayreceive refunds for returns filed within three years of <strong>the</strong> due date. For more information about tax related information that may be beneficial to survivors visithttp://raisetexas.org/.Earned Income Tax CreditA tax credit available to lower-income, working individuals who meet income <strong>guide</strong>lines and additionaleligibility requirements. The credit is available to individuals without children, but <strong>the</strong> credit increaseswith <strong>the</strong> number of eligible children. The Earned Income Tax Credit can mean thousands of dollarsrefunded to a family.Child Tax CreditA tax credit that may be up to $1000 per qualifying dependent child, subject to income and o<strong>the</strong>religibility requirements. The Additional Child Tax Credit may also be available, depending on eligibility.Child and Dependent Care CreditA credit available to people who, in order to work or to look for work, have to pay for child care servicesfor qualifying dependents under age 13. The credit is also available for those who pay for <strong>the</strong> care of aspouse or a dependent of any age who lived with <strong>the</strong>m for more than half <strong>the</strong> year and is physically ormentally incapable of self-care. The credit is a percentage, based on adjusted gross income, of <strong>the</strong>expenses paid for child and dependent care.Innocent Spouse ReliefRelief from tax liability, penalties and interest available to spouses who signed joint returns and are nowbeing held responsible for taxes or income of which <strong>the</strong>y were unaware. Free tax help is available online through <strong>the</strong> IRS website at www.irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040. The <strong>Texas</strong> Taxpayer Assistance Project may also be able to answer questions at 1-888-988-9996. For additional information on <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r tax resources for survivors, go to www.tcfv.org.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE40 | P a g e
Options for Immigrant SurvivorsEligibility for most Public Benefits or employment-related services is based, in part, on immigrationstatus. Certain core emergency services are available to all.All immigrants, regardless of <strong>the</strong>ir status or when <strong>the</strong>y entered <strong>the</strong> county, are eligible for emergencybenefits including: Emergency medical care, emergency Medicaid, immunizations, and diagnosis and treatment ofcommunicable diseases. Emergency mental health and substance abuse services. WIC. Summer food programs and school lunch programs. Public education. Any program necessary to protect life and safety that is not income conditional (shelters, foodbanks).Workers at <strong>the</strong>se programs are not authorized to ask for verification of immigration status.A parent, regardless of immigration status, can apply for and receive Public Benefits on behalf of USCitizen children if <strong>the</strong> family meets o<strong>the</strong>r eligibility criteria (i.e. income <strong>guide</strong>lines).Eligibility for non-emergency services and benefits is very specific depending on a person’s immigrationstatus and <strong>the</strong> type of program <strong>the</strong>y are trying to access. To best assist an immigrant survivor, it is helpfulto seek additional support and information: The <strong>Texas</strong> <strong>Council</strong> on Family Violence’s Public Policy Department can answer questions andrequests for technical assistance regarding options for immigrant survivors of abuse. Call (800)525-1978. The National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women provides technical assistanceto advocates and o<strong>the</strong>r providers serving immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault,and/or trafficking. Contact at www.immigrantwomennetwork.org/contact.htm.Options for Survivors with DisabilitiesSurvivors with disabilities may be eligible for additional support services.Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)SSDI and SSI are monthly cash disability benefits paid to those who meet qualifying criteria. SSI recipientsreceive Medicaid coverage. After a waiting period, SSDI recipients receive Medicare coverage. Find a local Social Security Office, find detailed information about program eligibility andbenefits, and apply online at www.ssa.gov.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE41 | P a g e
Page 2 and 3: Table of ContentsIntroduction: Hist
Page 4 and 5: provide a unified statewide presenc
Page 6 and 7: The Family Violence Prevention and
Page 8 and 9: The chapters that follow will provi
Page 10 and 11: Understanding the
Page 12: Leaving an Abusive RelationshipTher
Page 15 and 16: Helps Plan for Future Safety Helps
Page 17 and 18: What is Active Listening?Active Lis
Page 19 and 20: Focus on SafetySurvivors of family
Page 21 and 22: Safety PlanningAs advocates, we nee
Page 23 and 24: Would the informat
Page 25 and 26: Victims who witness the</st
Page 27 and 28: Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order
Page 29 and 30: Here is an overview of some of <str
Page 32 and 33: Family Law CasesFamily Law Cases ar
Page 34 and 35: A common way abusers instill fear i
Page 36 and 37: An Advocate’s Role…AssessExplor
Page 38 and 39: Pregnant women not eligible for Med
Page 42 and 43: GuardianshipIn some cases, an adult
Page 44 and 45: Resources to AssessQuestions to Ask
Page 46 and 47: VAWA protections (VAWA)VAWA require
Page 48 and 49: These protections fall into a few d
Page 50 and 51: housing and homeless issues in <str
Page 52 and 53: Individuals respond to traumatic ev
Page 54 and 55: Relocation Rental AssistanceRelocat
Page 56 and 57: Law Enforcement & Legal Services•
Page 58 and 59: Chapter 8: Coordination of Communit
Page 60 and 61: The end result of a well-maintained
Page 62 and 63: The success of offenders in a BIPP
Page 64 and 65: Finding SupportSince the</s
Page 66 and 67: Economic Justice ResourcesNational

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