Have you cut back your hours or quit your job altogether to take care of your child with special needs? Between all the doctor's appointments and the time taken off when he is sick, it’s really tough to maintain a fulltime job. And mostly, even though you know it will be hard financially, you know you need to do what is best for your child.
As a parent, searching for childcare is tough. You want to find someone who truly cares for your child, who takes his best interests to heart, and who is reliable, devoted, and honest. If you have a child with special needs, searching for someone is even more complex: you may have to ask more questions to find the right person who matches your requirements.
Down syndrome is a disability that is usually diagnosed very early in a child’s life. It is probably one of the most common and visible disability in existence, and there are increased efforts to mainstream children with Down syndrome into society. While all of these factors may make the disability seem less severe than it actually is, many families with a child with Down syndrome rely on financial benefits to survive.
When you think about the holidays, you may have happy memories of your family coming together, and spending quality time. For many children with autism, however, the holidays evoke feelings of anxiety associated with noises, people, and events that are unfamiliar and frightening.
Parenting is difficult enough, and when your child has special needs, including autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, you are challenged even further. The struggles seem to double if you have to cut your work hours or quit your job altogether to take care of your child. How will you pay your bills?
Fortunately, there are government benefits for parents like you who need funding to be able to make ends meet.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
In-Home Supportive Services provide crucial benefits for families of children with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, applying for and receiving these benefits are notoriously difficult and many families give up after encountering road block after road block.
IHSS is a California government program that provides financial support for in-home caretakers of impaired elders, persons with disabilities, and children with developmental disabilities including ASD. While a variety of benefits are available, the most important for families of children with special needs is “Protective Supervision.” When you are approved for Protective Supervision, you will receive an hourly wage to stay home and care for your child. This wage is exempt from federal income taxes.
Few things can make such a big difference in the lives of a family as the ability to give your special needs child the full care he or she deserves, without endangering your family finances. If your child has been diagnosed with ASD or another development disability, you are eligible for Protective Supervision. But the application process can be confusing, and at present only 10% of eligible families receive this credit.
AAG is determined to change that.
The IHSS application process generally involves a written application, an in-home interview with a social worker, and medical records. Once approved, there will be ongoing assessments. An advocate can assist at every stage of this process whether you are a first-time applicant or your application has been denied.
For first time applicants an advocate will:
If you applied for IHSS benefits and were rejected, an advocate will:
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.
CONTACT US FOR HELP.
Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].