What is MRC Connect?
MRC Connect collects your referral information in one place and helps the agency identify programs and services you may be eligible for. Below are the programs included in the application.
What programs can I apply for?
Career Services
With our Career Services, we help individuals with disabilities go to work. If you are unemployed or underemployed, you may benefit from Career Services.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Are eligible to work in the US
- Have a physical or mental disability which results in a substantial impediment to employment
- Require VR services to train, find or keep a job
Examples of Career Services
- Vocational counseling, guidance, and assistance in job placement, such as interview preparation, job coach, and/or direct job placement services
- Training programs including job-driven partnerships with employers, college and vocational certificate programs
- Assistive technology and rehabilitation technology services
Services for Students & Youth
MRC offers supports around job preparation and exploration for students 14 and older while they are still in high school. MRC works with many community providers to offer pre-employment transition services for students.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Are aged 14-22
- Have a physical or mental disability which results in a substantial impediment to employment
Examples of Services for Students and Youth
-
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): Pre-ETS staff work with each student to find what type of job or career path best suits them. Students can expect a three-tier approach from providers to help build job awareness and confidence.
- Career Exploration: What career interests them? What education and skills will they need? Staff will help explore the training and possible internships available for the student.
Home and Community Life
Home and Community Life services are available to individuals with a brain injury or individuals seeking help at home.
You may qualify if you:
- Are a Massachusetts resident
- Have a documented externally caused traumatic brain injury with significant impairment
- Can demonstrate an ability to participate in community-based services
Examples of Home and Community Life Services
- Skills Training: Helping consumers learn the skills they need to live in the community
- Adult Companion: Provides companionship and social activities. This aide can also be used so a caregiving family member can take a break
- Residential Services: Provided in a 24-hour, provider operated group home setting
Where can I find the online application?
The application can be found at MRC Connect Online Application (qualtrics.com)
What is the process for applying to a program?
- The initial step in applying is to submit an online application. To start your application, visit www.mass.gov/mrc-connect and click on "apply for services," or call our information and referral line at 617-204-3665.
- After submitting your application, a team member will contact you within 7 days to review your application and discuss next steps.
- Depending on the program you're applying for, additional documentation may be required before determining eligibility. The MRC Connect team member will guide you through this when they reach out.
- You'll then undergo an initial interview with an eligibility screener, which can be conducted over the phone, via Zoom, or in person upon request. The interview can be done promptly when an MRC Connect team member reaches out or scheduled for a future date.
- Once the interview is complete, and all necessary documentation is received, your eligibility will be determined. If eligible, your case will be assigned to a staff member from the program, who will reach out to discuss service delivery.
What services are available? Can I qualify for multiple?
Once your eligibility is determined, and you are assigned to a specific program, detailed discussions about the specific services available within that program will take place. Depending on your unique needs and the criteria of each program, you may qualify for multiple programs.
Is the online application replacing other referral channels?
No. The online application is an additional avenue to apply for MRC services and programs.
What kind of information does the online application collect?
The online application gathers initial information, including basic demographic and personal details, as well as other referral items covering education, healthcare and benefits, employment, and financial information.
Can I submit supporting documents with the online application?
Yes. If you have appropriate documentation at the time of filling out the application, they can upload digital documents to the online application. If not, MRC staff will be following up with each applicant to obtain the appropriate documentation.
What paperwork will I need to submit (specifically for the Statewide Head Injury Program)?
The required paperwork varies depending on the program you are applying to:
- Statewide Head Injury Program:
- Documentation is needed from the time the injury occurred, along with current medical records.
- Additional records may be requested based on the treatment timeline.
- Home Care Assistance Program:
- Documentation from a provider is required, detailing your impairments related to homemaking tasks.
- Additionally, we will request income documentation.
What does the Home Care Assistance Program entail, and does it include Personal Care Attendants?
The Home Care Assistance Program (HCAP) helps individuals with tasks to maintain their homes, such as light housekeeping, grocery shopping, laundry, meal preparation, and medication pickup. It's essential to note that HCAP is not a Personal Care Attendant program, and home care providers under this program do not assist with personal care tasks.
I have someone in mind to become a home care provider. Is this possible, and what is the process?
Certainly! If you have someone in mind to be a home care provider, that's a great option. To initiate the process, contact us about your candidate, and we will provide you with the necessary application. It's important to note that home care providers cannot be immediate family members, and they will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check.
Does the online application determine eligibility for programs?
No, the online application does not assess eligibility. It serves as a referral and is designed to comprehend your needs. This enables MRC to share information across potential programs, streamlining the process so that you only need to provide the information once.
Will the online application be available in other languages?
Yes, the application can be translated by selecting a language from the drop down menu at the top of the page.
If you have questions about the Online Application, please reach out to the Online Application Help Desk at 617-204-3665.