Public Programs & Services
SSI & Medicaid
It is very important for individuals with developmental disabilities and autism to access Medicaid. Medicaid pays for traditional medical services plus it provides access to many other services for people with disabilities that private healthcare plans do not cover. In Vermont, there are ways to become eligible for Medicaid even if family or individual resources are too high. 6 Ways to Access Medicaid/ EPSDT for Vermont Children
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash benefit for people with disabilities. The amount of the monthly cash benefit may be reduced or offset if other income is being received by the individual. SSI is one of the gateways [link to sixways guide] to Medicaid in Vermont: if an individual gets at least $1 of SSI they are also eligible for Medicaid.
To qualify, the individual with the disability must be considered ‘disabled’ under Social Security rules and meet the financial criteria. For individuals under 18, the income and resources of the parents are taken into consideration. Once an individual turns 18, the parents’ income and resources are no longer considered even if the individual continues living at home. At all times, however, the individual’s own income and resources are taken into consideration and must be at poverty level to qualify.
Due to the low level of resources allowed to individuals, some families find it helpful to establish a Special Needs Trust in order to help a family member with a disability qualify for benefits. Resources can be placed in a properly drafted trust for the benefit of the person with a disability and will not be counted against the individual for SSI or Medicaid purposes. The Trust funds can be used to purchase a wide variety of items for the person with a disability throughout his/her life. There is no limit as to how much can be placed in a Special Needs Trust.
Children’s Personal Care Services
Personal Care Attendants are hired by families to provide home and community individualized support for people with disabilities under the age of 21. Because this is a Medicaid funded program, the person with a disability must currently receive Medicaid. See Six Ways to Access Medicaid . Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, not just income. Be sure to explore your options regarding Medicaid. Your child may be eligible for Medicaid based on his/r disability or special circumstances and the child’s resources, even if you don’t quality based on family income.
Flexible Family Funding (FFF) is an annual cash benefit provided to eligible families of individuals with developmental disabilities. The amount of cash benefit is based on a sliding scale.
Developmental Servives are provided through the state of Vermont, Department of Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), through contract with 10 Designated Agencies and 5 specialized agencies disbursed throughout the state. Depending on the needs of the individual, services available to qualifying individuals may include: home services, community services, employment assistance, family and respite support, counseling and crisis intervention.
Public Education:
Family Support can help you with questions and concerns regarding Special Education and Section 504 plans . Please call Family Support at 1-800-800-4005.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is another type of monthly cash benefit. Working people pay into SSDI and may be able to access this cash benefit in the event they become disabled in the future provided they qualify under Social Security rules.
A person with disabilities may also qualify for SSDI through his/her parents’ work record. This is called “Childhood Disability Benefits”. The person with a disability may become eligible once a parent becomes disabled, retires or passes away. The monthly cash benefit can be substantially more than an SSI cash benefit, depending on how much his/her parents paid into the system. Unlike SSI, there are no financial requirements. However, there are other strict rules on qualifying for this benefit.
Need help? Please contact VFN Family Support for assistance or ask for the Developmental Disabilities Specialist, Claudia Inés Pringles at 1-800-800-4005.
