(originally published February 2024) Many parents ask about the work rules for someone receiving SSI. They are complicated. A key determinate in qualifying for and keeping SSI benefits is whether someone reaches the threshold of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). Essentially, this is a way for SSI to know how much a person could earn even if they are disabled. So, someone could qualify for SSI due to a disability but not receive SSI because they
Author: mollyedavid
(originally published March 2024) I am often asked about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) when I present on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most families I speak to will deal with SSI first, so I don’t discuss SSDI other than to tell them it exists. Lately, I have been receiving more questions from parents about SSDI qualification for their adult disabled child when they retire. The Social Security Administration (SSA) can be very complicated and confusing.
If your adult child is getting ready to apply for SSI, they may need a representative payee. A representative payee is a person who manages SSI payments on behalf of a beneficiary. This means they can receive cash benefits and have the authority to use the money on the beneficiary’s behalf. Unless SSA has specifically permitted it or you are a legal guardian appointed by the court, you may not collect a fee for services
(originally published April 2024) What is SSI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that provides monthly benefits (monetary payments and insurance) to people with disabilities or who are over 65 with limited or no income to help them meet their basic needs, like food and shelter. SSI is a federal program, but the states administer it. States have the option of providing additional funds and/or automatic health insurance through Medicaid. To qualify, the
Parents often think of Assistive Technology (AT) as high-tech devices. Communication boards that can be controlled with eye gaze are used by students who cannot speak and might not have functional use of their limbs. Or an app that reads text to students on the computer. But, while not as exciting, it can also be modified scissors so the student can take part in class activities. It could be a graphic organizer to help the
Reagan truly was an angel and her message to us was to be better, kinder, and more loving. I will take those characteristics and commit to making them central in my life.
Children’s Special Health Care Services now covers individuals up to age 26. Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) is part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It provides extended insurance coverage for children and adults (now up to age 26) who have special health care needs. It covers specialty services, durable medical equipment, and community-based services. They can also help with travel and lodging costs for medical care. Prior to October 2023,
What are early intervention services? How do I find them? Early intervention programs have a big impact on children with delays and disabilities. Identifying any concerns and addressing them in the early years will help them later. Services that are tailored to meet your child’s needs can help build the skills needed to be successful in school. If you are concerned about your child, talk to their pediatrician. You can find developmental milestones on CDC’s
There are a lot of meetings and services that come with receiving disability benefits. It can be overwhelming. A very important meeting involves creating an Individual Plan of Service. An Individual Plan of Service (IPOS) outlines what support, activities, and resources a person needs to achieve their goals. The plan is an important way to identify the individual’s strengths, needs, supports, goals, and dreams. The individual should help create this plan and include any chosen
…write them! I remember escaping into the adventures of Ramona Quimby (By Beverly Cleary). As a little sister, I would get excited to read about the next battle she would have with her sister. I could relate to the character and her story, even if it wasn’t exactly like mine. The book expanded my world and my understanding of relationships. It also helped me get excited about reading other books. I was the kid who