Filing for benefits and services for your child with disabilities differs by state. What doesn’t differ is the general process. This is overwhelming at first, but worth it, if your child has more services. Whether you’re applying for a Medicaid Waiver, SSI, or community-based services, there are some important things to remember. Apply. If your child is receiving special education services through their public school, there are programs and benefits that you should access. Even
Category: Disability
Information for parents of disabled people transitioning into adulthood. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government program that provides monthly income 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 person applying
What you can do to protect coverage for yourself or someone you love. Health Care is expensive. According to the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, US healthcare spending reached $4.3 trillion in 2021. That makes healthcare spending 18.3% of the US Gross Domestic Product. So, it is not surprising that states have started removing Medicaid coverage for many of their residents. During the Public Health Emergency (PHE), the federal government barred states from
And how the government could make it easier There are many barriers for people with a disability and they are not all physical. There is an economic cost to having a disability that needs to be recognized. We expect that individuals with a disability will have higher healthcare costs and needs, but we overlook all the “extra” costs. These costs often force people living with a disability to choose between their independence and their government
According to Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA): Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. These allow people with disabilities to have more independent and active lives. Some examples are positioning equipment, bed rails, bolsters, pillows, wedges, dressing aids, scooters, talking alarms, communication boards, and specialty switches. Anything that helps someone with a disability
The importance of financial planning. If you or a loved one have a disability, then you know protecting assets and planning for financial stability is important. I have written about Special Needs Trusts and their advantages for saving. Another way to save is to open an ABLE account. ABLE accounts have been in the news recently because Congress just passed a bill to raise the age for qualifying from 26 to 46, though it won’t
How to determine if a 504 Plan is a good fit for your child. An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and a 504 Plan are programs that allow students with disabilities to receive help if they qualify. The goal of both programs is to help students. Parents don’t get to choose which one their child will receive; all students must go through a prescribed process to qualify. Federal law protects both programs. If you want to
Tips for flying with a loved one who has a disability. I love to travel. For me, planning a trip is just as much fun as the trip. I love the decision making and anticipation that comes with a trip. I love the adventures with my family and the experiences we share. What I don’t love, is the stress that can come from traveling with a child with disabilities. Many parents who have children with
This infographic outlines who is a parent as defined by federal law in relation to the Individuals with Disabilities Act. A parent has protected rights.