You may be considering applying for a Grant. Before you do you might review the information you should not give out and how to protect your and your loved ones identity.

Do not be intimidated when applying for any type of assistance. If you feel suspicious ask questions. If you still feel suspicious don’t apply.

It is recommended that you apply for grants from organizations that have been a reputation for providing services to the Autism community and are well known.

When asked for financial, identifying or personal information ask why it is needed and provide only as much as is needed. If it seems inappropriate or is on the list below do not give it!

A grant application should include a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement where the organization makes a legally binding claim that they will not use your information for unintended purposes or share it. If you don’t see it, do not apply.

The Information listed below you should not be asked for and should not give. Use a black marker on any forms to black out this information;

• Bank Account number, location, routing information or pin number.
•  Credit Card information or pin number
• Account numbers for phones, utilities or other bills.
• Your middle name should not be required. Your child’s middle name should not be required. An initial is typical but you can leave it blank.
• Never give your child’s or your Social Security Number (SSN).
• Never give your child’s or your birth date. How old your child is may be asked.
• Passwords to any type of account.
• Email address. If you wish to be contacted via email the Consumer Protection Agency recommends you be sure the email account is not one you use to send personal or financial information. Be sure the email is not linked or synced to an email you use for personal information.
• Mother’s maiden name, or spouses’ mother’s maiden Name (or any other information you typically use for passwords or security questions for financial accounts) .

*Black out all account and identifying information (besides your name and address) on Tax slips, bills or any other forms you asked to provide.*

You can get more information about identity theft and unwanted access to your accounts below

• Information on prevention Identity Theft from WA state Attorney General’s Office.http://www.atg.wa.gov/uploadedFiles/Home/Safeguarding_Consumers/Brochures/2013_Brochures/Identity-Theft-Brochure.pdf
  • How much do you know about protecting yourself from identity theft? Take this quick quiz.

  http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idquiz.html

  • View the full Consumer Action Handbook to read about medical identity, insurance, loans, grants, online buying and much more.

  http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer/consumer-action-handbook.pdf

  • Steps to take if you suspect your identity has been stolen.

  http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer/identity-theft.pdf

  • Find a local community protection agency to report theft of get a question answered.

  http://www.usa.gov/directory/stateconsumer/index.shtml

  • What information are potential thieves looking for?

  http://manvsdebt.com/top-16-pieces-of-your-information-identity-thieves-crave/

• Ways to prevent thieves from accessing your information.                                                                                                                                  

This is a link to our WAAA family resource directory page for Grants so that families may apply for assistance in paying for equipment/devices. 

http://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/updates/resource-directory/wpbdm-category/grants/

If you have any questions and/or concerns about acquiring equipment/devices and/or how to apply for these grants please feel free to contact one of our family resource coordinators for assistance.