Extremely important funding meeting coming up and question about overseas funding

[Paul from Australia]

G'day everyone.

On Thursday we have a very important meeting at our home with two high up people from the Department of Human Services, who provide funds for Grant.

One person (John, not his real name) who is coming, is only 3 down from the top man in the department!

We will be discussing Grant's current funding package, which quite clearly is short of what it should be. It was supposed to last until December. The department have a policy that with a review, which this is, the funding package can go down, but we have been told categorically that it cannot go up! Now we know for a fact that it can indeed go up.

We have never met John before. We have been told that we mustn't get him upset in any way as he can be extremely difficult. A great deal of tact is required from us. The meeting has all the potential of being very stressful, so we would like your thoughts an prayers.

QUESTION

In America and England and Canada, what is the situation when someone Who is severely disabled is adopted or someone becomes a guardian of a severely disabled person? What sort of funding support is provided? We are very keen on looking at overseas models.

Looking forward to hearing from you real soon. Thank you.

Paul, Alison and Grant the champ.

[Little JT]

Paul-
I'm sorry I don't have any information to provide about funding, but I wanted to offer my prayers and thoughts that all goes well during the meeting. I'm sure "John" will have no choice but to admire you and Alison and all you do for Grant. I pray you get the additional funding.

Hugs,
Amy

[Carly'sMa]

It's different here because we don't have socialized medicine. In Massachusetts, if a family adopts a child from the foster care system, they child gets MassHealth for insurance. This is an incentive for adoption especially since so many children have special needs and health insurance is so expensive.

We have other things such as Supplemental Security Income, but that is dependent upon family income. I don't think a child gets this, even when adopted.

Guardianship doesn't affect eligibility for government benefits. The person's economic status is independent from their family or the guardians. So, when Carly turns 18, she gets SSI (mentioned above) regardless of how much we make. Why? Because, legally, we can kick her out! No way - but by giving her SSI she can contribute to her own upkeep since our legal obligation is over.

The school district has an educational obligation until age 22. Then the State Department of Mental Retardation will step in with services (we hope) such as day habilitation and whatever else Carly is capable of doing.

[Denae]

I am clueless about the funding too, but wanted to offer ((hugs)) and prayers. "John" will have no choice but to see that you guys are awesome and Grant needs the funding NOT to be cut~

QUESTION

In America and England and Canada, what is the situation when someone Who is severely disabled is adopted or someone becomes a guardian of a severely disabled person? What sort of funding support is provided? We are very keen on looking at overseas models.


Like the others said there is SSI, as well as the medicaid waiver programs such as Riley was just approved for. The CAP-C is for the medically fragile- and CAP- MR/DD for people with developmental disabilities. Both programs provide medicaid and additional funding for services. Ri gets medicaid plus a budget of 2700.00 per month for nursing and equipment needed.

SSI is just like Deborah explained.

[Kate]

Hi Paul,

Sorry I have no idea about how this works in the UK. I would think it wise to get some legal/professional advice on this as I am sure it's a complex field.

God luck with your meeting.

[Mother's Heart]

I'm not sure I"m understanding the others' explanations about SSI but I know it is available for disabled children as well as adults, but it is income dependent (family's income). If the child qualifies for SSI then they also qualify for Medicaid for disabled children (govt funded insurance). When child reaches adulthood they then have to requalify for the SSI/medicaid based on their individual status. So, often a disabled child will not qualify until adulthood because of their parent's income. Once they are adult and not earning their own income, then they are more likely to receive that assistance. The regulations can vary state-to-state.

There is also the ability for any interested parties to establish a Supplemental Needs Trust (or Special Needs Trust) Fund for the disabled child. These monies do not affect income considered for elibility for the SSI/medicaid type of assistance.

[alizesmom]

We have a subsidized adoption with our special needs son. The subsidy varies depending on the care he requires. He also receives medical assistance. We live in the US state of Pennsylvania. Karen