COVID-19 Resources

Midwest Special Needs Trust values our relationship with our life beneficiaries and those who support them. The events that have affected our communities nationwide have left many with questions and concerns. We want to share resources that may help ease the anxiety of those we serve during this time.

Midwest Special Needs Trust has compiled a series of topics of interest. It is our hope that these resources will help answer some of your questions to date. Each topic is accompanied by a coinciding link. Please feel free to utilize any of these resources as it pertains to your individual situation. This is just another way MSNT is dedicated to you.

COVID-19 plain language talking tips for parents and caregivers:

Guides for families:

Information about COVID-19 (coronavirus):

Emotional Support:

The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and provides immediate counseling to anyone who needs help dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident or emotional distress related to COVID-19.  Callers and texters are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network who will provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.

Community Resources:

If you need assistance finding food, paying housing bills, or other essential services dial 211 to speak with someone who can help. 

Practical tips and instructions to keep yourself safe:

  • A 3-minute video about Coronavirus Tips for Staying Healthy by The Self-Determination Channel of Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Click here

Economic Impact Payments/Stimulus Checks:

Here is what you need to know about your Economic Impact Payment, also known as Stimulus Checks.  For most taxpayers, payments are automatic, and no further action is needed. 

People who filed a tax return for 2019 or 2018

No additional action is needed by taxpayers who:

  • Have already filed their tax returns this year for 2019. The IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount.
  • Have not filed yet for 2019 but filed a 2018 federal tax return. For these taxpayers, the IRS will use their information from 2018 tax filings to make the Economic Impact Payment calculations.

People who are not typically required to file a tax return

Social Security and Railroad Retirement recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return need to take no action. The IRS will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 and Form RRB-1099 to generate Economic Impact Payments of $1,200 to these individuals even if they did not file tax returns in 2018 or 2019. Recipients will receive these payments as a direct deposit or by paper check, just as they would normally receive their benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients are also part of this group who do not need to take action.

For more information visit:

IRS Get My Payment – Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Administration – Economic Impact Payments for SS and SSI Recipients
Cornell University – COVID-19 and Social Insurance and Benefit Programs