Funding and Financial Resources
Social Security Administration
Includes Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a federal program where people age 65 or older and/or people who are disabled or blind can receive monthly income support. Children from birth to age 18 may qualify for Supplemental Security benefits (SSI). Children must meet Social Security’s disability definition. More information about SSI and how to apply can be found on their website or by calling 1-800-772-1213, TTY # 1-800-325-0778.
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Health insurance benefits may be available for children with disabilities through SCHIP. SCHIP provides insurance in all states (including DC) and provides coverage for prescription drugs, hearing, vision and mental health services. SCHIP supports families who are unable to afford private health insurance and who are not eligible to receive Medicaid and/or Supplemental Security Income. More information is available on website, or by calling 1-877-KIDS-NOWor contact your state Medicaid Office.
Maryland Department of Human Resources
This is the State of Maryland’s human services agency. This agency provides support to families for financial assistance for food, emergency cash (for things like rent, utility bills, or temporary disability support – until SSI funding starts), and medical assistance (for people who are disabled or low-income families). Under the Maryland DHR there is a link to the Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP). MCHIP provides full health benefits to children in Maryland.
Autism Family Resources
This agency provides families of children with special needs financial support for items they may need which are not covered by insurance or other services. Autism Family Resources is a non-profit organization and was founded by parents of an autistic child.
United Healthcare Children's Foundation
This agency is a non-profit charity organization that provides families whose children have medical needs with extra support or relief for items, services, or treatments that are not covered by their existing insurance agencies. More information is available on their website under medical grants.
Autism Cares
This agency represents a number of supporting autism organizations. Autism Cares provides grants to families of children with autism who have experienced an unplanned hardship or crisis (for housing costs, utilities, car repair, etc.). Eligible families can be awarded up to $1,000 in financial relief.
LISS- Low Intensity Support Services (application needed)
A statewide grant program providing help for persons with developmental disabilities by giving assistance or financial resources. LISS helps support people with developmental disabilities be an active member of their community and/or home. Funding can be used to attend camps, respite care, housing, and daycare. Resources, applications, funding etc. are time limited and time sensitive. For more information look onto the Maryland Department Health and Mental Hygiene website at http://dda.dhmh.maryland.gov/SitePages/liss.aspx or on the Humanim website at http://www.humanim.com/liss
Maryland Autism Waiver (application needed)
According to the Maryland State Department of Education the autism waiver is “Maryland’s Home and Community Based Services Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder [that] allows eligible children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to receive specific waiver services and certain Medicaid services to support them in their homes and communities”. The autism waiver can provide families is training, respite care, individual supports, and more. For more information read through the following information:
Maryland Autism Waiver Fact Sheet
Maryland’s autism waiver - Maryland Disability Law Center
Support providers for autism waiver:
http://www.connectandlearn.net/Autism-Waiver.html
http://www.trellisservices.com/services/autism
The Coordinating Center
Committed to children, young adults and older individuals, as well as their family members, who have the most challenging health care needs, disabilities, and related concerns. Our services are as diverse as the people we serve, and intended to help people to thrive in the homes and communities of their choosing. Key programs are primarily funded through Medicaid and Medicare. Yet the organization is known for its expertise in coordinating all of the myriad services that people need to live at home regardless of the source of funding. More information can be found on their website
Estate Planning
As children with special needs get older, families need to think about the future. If adults will have difficulty making decisions for themselves supports are needed. Estate planning helps provide care for loved one. Topics to look into are Will, Special Needs Trust, Power of Attorney, and/or Guardianship. For more information look on the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities at Kennedy Krieger Institute at http://mcdd.kennedykrieger.org/programs-and-resources/
Useful resource information about planning for special needs adults:
MCDD 2013 Estate Planning - Kennedy Krieger Institute
http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/10/estate-planning-special-needs-children-personal-finance-bernard-krooks.html
http://money.cnn.com/2010/06/23/pf/makeover_childcare.moneymag/