As a Parent, Do I Qualify for IHSS?

If you have a child with a disability or special needs, you may be eligible to become an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Parent Provider in California. This program allows parents or legal guardians to be paid caregivers for their child, providing assistance with daily activities and tasks.

Here are the steps you can take to become an IHSS Parent Provider for your child in California:

Step 1 to Qualify as a Parent for IHSS

Determine Eligibility To be eligible for IHSS as a Parent Provider, your child must be under the age of 18 and have a disability or special need that requires daily assistance with activities such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. You and your child must also be residents of California, and your child must be eligible for Medi-Cal.

Step 2

Complete IHSS Application You can apply for IHSS by completing an application online or by visiting your local IHSS office. The application will require information about your child's disability, medical condition, and daily care needs. You will also need to provide information about yourself, including your income and work history.

Step 3

Attend an Orientation Session After submitting your IHSS application, you will be required to attend an orientation session. The session will provide information about the IHSS program, including your role as a Parent Provider, the services you will be providing, and the training and support available to you.

Step 4

Complete Training As an IHSS Parent Provider, you will be required to complete training before you can begin providing care for your child. The training will cover topics such as proper lifting and transferring techniques, infection control, and medication administration.

Step 5

Undergo Background Check As part of the IHSS program, you will be required to undergo a background check. This includes a fingerprint scan and a review of your criminal history. If you have a criminal record, it may disqualify you from becoming an IHSS Parent Provider.

Step 6

Submit Timesheets and Receive Payment Once you have completed the IHSS application, orientation, training, and background check, you can begin providing care for your child. You will need to submit timesheets documenting the hours you have worked, and you will receive payment for your services through the IHSS program.

Being an IHSS Parent Provider can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to provide personalized care and support for your child. However, it is important to remember that being a caregiver can also be a demanding and challenging role. It is important to take care of your own physical and emotional needs, and to seek support and resources when necessary.

In addition to the training provided by the IHSS program, there are a variety of resources available to help you navigate the challenges of caregiving. These include support groups, respite care services, and educational resources.

Becoming an IHSS Parent Provider is a process that requires time, effort, and dedication. However, for many families, it is a valuable opportunity to provide personalized care and support for their child while also receiving financial compensation for their efforts. If you are interested in becoming an IHSS Parent Provider, the first step is to determine your eligibility and begin the application process.

If this process sounds overwhelming and you feel you need help, you can always reach out to us. Our advocates can lead you through everything, as well as attend the hearing with you.

American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action in regard to your best interests.

Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected]

Can I Get Disability in California for my Child with Autism?

Raising a child with autism can be a challenging experience for any parent, but the financial burden that often accompanies the diagnosis can add an extra layer of stress. Depending on the severity of your child's autism, you may need additional financial support to provide the best possible care for your child, especially if you live in California.

One of the most common sources of financial assistance for families with children with autism is disability benefits, including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Disability benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who have a disability that prevents them from working or performing activities of daily living. In this blog, we'll discuss the steps you need to take to get disability for your child with autism.

Get a Diagnosis from a Qualified Professional

The first step in getting disability benefits for your child with autism is to get an official diagnosis from a qualified professional. This can be a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. The diagnosis should include a detailed description of your child's symptoms, as well as an assessment of how those symptoms impact your child's ability to function in daily life.

Gather Medical and Educational Records

Once you have a diagnosis, you'll need to gather all of your child's medical and educational records. This includes any doctor's notes, evaluations, and reports from therapists, as well as school records, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and any other relevant documents.

Apply for Benefits

The next step is to apply for disability benefits. You can do this by contacting your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or by applying online. You'll need to provide all of the information and documentation you've gathered, as well as any other information requested by the SSA.

Be Prepared for a Denial

It's important to be prepared for the possibility of a denial of your application. Many disability claims are initially denied, but you have the right to appeal the decision. If your application is denied, you'll receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial and the steps you can take to appeal the decision.

Seek Legal Assistance

If your application for disability benefits is denied, it's a good idea to seek legal assistance. An attorney who specializes in disability law can help you navigate the appeals process and increase your chances of a successful outcome. They can also help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the law.

Keep Accurate Records

Throughout the process of applying for disability benefits, it's important to keep accurate records of all communication and documentation. This includes keeping a copy of your application, any letters or emails you receive from the SSA, and any other relevant documents. These records can be invaluable if you need to appeal a denial or if there are any other issues that arise during the application process.

Getting disability benefits for your child with autism can be a complex and challenging process, but it's an important step in securing the financial assistance you need to provide the best possible care for your child. By following these steps and seeking legal assistance if necessary, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and ensure that your child's needs are met.

If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us.

American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action in regard to your best interests.

Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected]

How Much Money Can I Get in California for My Child with Autism?

If you are a parent of a child with autism in California, you may be eligible to receive money through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. The IHSS program is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals with disabilities or medical conditions who require support in their home.

How Much Money Can I Get with IHSS?

The amount of money that parents of a child with autism can get from IHSS in California varies depending on a number of factors, including the level of care required by the child and the income level of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). In general, the IHSS program in California provides payment for two types of services: personal care services and domestic services.

Personal care services refer to activities that support the child's physical and mental health, such as bathing, grooming, and administering medication. Domestic services refer to tasks that help maintain the home environment, such as cleaning and meal preparation.

How IHSS Money is Calculated

The amount of payment for personal care and domestic services is calculated based on the number of hours of care needed and the hourly wage rate established by the state. As of 2021, the hourly wage rate for IHSS providers in California is $15.00 per hour. However, it is important to note that the actual payment amount may vary based on the county in which the child and family reside.

To be eligible for IHSS services, a child must have a qualifying disability or medical condition that requires in-home support. In the case of autism, a child must have a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder and meet certain functional criteria, such as requiring assistance with activities of daily living or having behavioral issues that require support.

Once a child is determined to be eligible for IHSS services, a needs assessment will be conducted to determine the level of care required. Based on the assessment, the child and family will be assigned a certain number of hours of care per week. The number of hours can range from a few hours per week to up to 283 hours per month, depending on the level of need.

The payment amount for IHSS services is also affected by the income level of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. If the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have a low income, they may be eligible for a higher payment rate. However, if their income is too high, they may not be eligible for any payment at all.

Other Benefits of IHSS

In addition to financial support, the IHSS program in California also provides other benefits to families of children with autism. For example, IHSS providers are required to complete training on working with individuals with developmental disabilities, which can help ensure that the child receives high-quality care. The program also allows parents and legal guardians to hire their own providers, which can give them more control over the care their child receives.

Overall, the amount of money that parents of a child with autism can get from IHSS in California varies based on a number of factors, including the level of care required and the income level of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). However, the IHSS program can provide important financial and other forms of support to families who are caring for a child with autism at home. If you are a parent of a child with autism in California, you may want to consider exploring the eligibility requirements and benefits of the IHSS program to see if it is a good fit for your family's needs.

If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us.

Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected]

What's the Difference Between an IEP and 504?

Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Section 504 Plans are two important documents for children with special needs in California. These documents help ensure that children with disabilities receive appropriate educational services to meet their individual needs. Understanding the difference between these two documents is essential for parents, educators, and students alike.

IEP Plans

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document that outlines a student's educational goals and the special education services they will receive to help them reach those goals. An IEP is required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and is developed for students who have been determined eligible for special education services. The IEP team, which includes the student, parents, teachers, and other relevant professionals, meets to create the IEP and updates it annually to ensure the student's needs are being met.

504 Plans

A Section 504 Plan, on the other hand, is a document that outlines the accommodations and services that a student with a disability will receive in a general education setting. The 504 Plan is named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive federal funding. The 504 Plan is designed for students who do not require special education services but need accommodations in the general education setting to fully participate in their education.

The Difference Between an IEP and 504

The key difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan is that an IEP is focused on providing special education services to students with disabilities, while a 504 Plan is focused on providing accommodations to students with disabilities in a general education setting. An IEP is required for students who are eligible for special education services and is created by a team of professionals who work together to determine the student's needs and develop a plan to meet those needs. A 504 Plan, on the other hand, is required for students with disabilities who do not require special education services but still need accommodations to fully participate in their education.

Another key difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan is the level of support they provide. An IEP provides more comprehensive support and services to students with disabilities than a 504 Plan. An IEP outlines specific goals and objectives for the student, as well as the special education services and accommodations they will receive to help them reach those goals. A 504 Plan, on the other hand, outlines the accommodations and services the student will receive in a general education setting, but does not provide the same level of support and services as an IEP.

In conclusion, both IEPs and 504 Plans are important documents for students with disabilities in California. Understanding the differences between these two documents is essential for parents, educators, and students to ensure that children with disabilities receive the appropriate support and services they need to succeed in their education. An IEP provides more comprehensive support and services for students with disabilities who require special education services, while a 504 Plan provides accommodations and services for students with disabilities who do not require special education services but still need support in a general education setting.

If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us.

American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome and a range of diagnoses across the continuum.

As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action in regard to your best interests.

Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected]

Should I Get a Conservatorship for My Child with Special Needs?

A conservatorship is a legal arrangement in California in which a court appoints an individual or organization to manage the financial, legal, and medical decisions of a person who is unable to do so themselves. This can be particularly beneficial for children with disabilities, as it ensures that their best interests are protected and that they receive the care and support they need.

The Benefits of a Conservatorship

One of the main benefits of a conservatorship in California is that it allows for the appointment of a responsible and trustworthy person to manage the child's financial affairs. This can include things like managing their bank accounts, paying their bills, and handling any investments they may have. This is especially important for children with disabilities, as they may not have the capacity to make these decisions themselves.

Another benefit of a conservatorship is that it allows for the appointment of a legal guardian. This person is responsible for making decisions about the child's education, healthcare, and other important aspects of their life. This can provide much-needed peace of mind for parents, who may worry about what will happen to their child once they are no longer able to care for them.

Special Needs Trusts

A conservatorship also allows for the creation of a special needs trust, which can provide financial support for the child without affecting their eligibility for California government benefits such as Medical, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is an important consideration for families of children with disabilities, as these benefits can be crucial in providing the necessary care and support.

If your child is not completely independent, filing for a conservatorship is an important step to take. Under state and federal law, once a child reaches the age of 18, he or she is considered a legal adult and you will no longer be able to make decisions regarding finances, health care, or education on his or her behalf. If granted, a conservatorship would allow you to continue making these decisions.

A conservatorship is established in court when a judge appoints a responsible person (a conservator) to care for another adult (a conservatee). This process necessitates the completion of court-ordered paperwork, local center intervention, a court-ordered investigator, as well as a court hearing.

The court will outline the powers and duties given to the conservator and those powers and duties will be only those necessary to provide for the demonstrated need of the person with a disability.

The responsibilities of a conservator may include:
Deciding where the disabled person will live
Managing the individual’s finances
Making decisions regarding medical treatment
Determining education and occupational training
Signing contracts on behalf of the disabled person
Maintaining confidential records and papers

In summary, a conservatorship can be an incredibly valuable tool for families of children with disabilities. It ensures that their best interests are protected, and that they have access to the financial and legal support they need to live a happy and healthy life.

If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us.

American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome and a range of diagnoses across the continuum.

Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected]