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Supplemental Security Income
Children with autistic spectrum
disorders may be eligible for Medicaid and for monthly Supplemental
Security Income (SSI). While a child is under the age of 18 these benefits are
based on parental income.
Parents should not forget
that on their child's 18th birthday, despite their income level, many teens with
autistic spectrum disorders will become eligible for SSI benefits and
Medicaid on their own. If you would like more information about your child's
eligibility for these benefits please call our department at (914) 995-6752.
Special Needs Will and Trust
If you have a child with a disability it's important for
your will to make it clear that the child's inheritance can only be spent on
items and services that are not already covered by federal subsidies your child may be entitled to such as Medicaid, Medicare and SSI.
Otherwise, your child will lose these subsidies until the inheritance is spent
down and he/she once again meets criteria for benefits. You should contact a
lawyer to help you ensure that your child's rights are protected.
Guardianship
Unless you have made prior legal arrangements, all teens
including teens with ASD become adults and their own legal guardians on their
18th birthday. If an individual is not capable of making
responsible decisions a formal evaluation should be done to
determine the need for guardianship. If it is determined that your adult child
is not able to make responsible judgments you will then need a lawyer to help designate a legal guardian for your adult child. Parents may remain
legal guardians, or an adult sibling, relative, a family friend, or a
professional may be designated.
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