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Trumpet Behavioral Health & Therapeutic Pathways are partnering together to increase access to quality autism care in Northern California. Read More
Protecting Their Future: Financial Planning For Your Child With Autism (Part 1)
As the parent of a child with autism, you may qualify for certain types of financial support from the federal government. These forms of financial support can help you cover some of the costs of caring for your child with autism. These may include:
There are two ways that you can apply for disability benefits:
Medicaid is a program that pays for a wide range of services for people with disabilities and provides government-funded health insurance for those with limited financial resources. If your child qualifies for Supplemental Security Income, they are also able to receive Medicaid. This government program covers a range of autism treatments for your child, including speech, physical, and occupational therapy. You should apply through the relevant agency in your state, such as the Health or Department of Developmental Services.
Read More: Navigating Insurance And ABA Therapy: A Roadmap For Parents
The Children’s Health Insurance Program is another option for funding your child’s autism treatment and services. This program is administered by the United States Health and Human Services, and it provides matching funds to states for health insurance to families and children. It provides health coverage to children up to age 19 in low-income households who aren’t eligible for Medicaid. So if your child is under the age of 19 and your family does not qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program is a good alternative option. You can apply for this program via the Benefits.Gov website.
While government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid can support your child’s current needs for autism services and therapy, it’s also critical to plan for their financial future. Certain types of trusts can ensure your child is financially cared for, even when you are no longer able to serve as a caregiver.
Government benefits are based on income and asset limits. If you leave money to
your child, that money goes directly to them as income, and it could disqualify your child from getting some government benefits. But if you have a special needs trust, that income can be left to the trust. Because your child with autism is no longer the direct recipient, the money generally does not count as income or assets. A special-needs trust can go a long way in providing financial security for your child with autism.
When it comes to financing your child’s autism therapy or planning for their long-term financial security, you have a huge range of options available. It’s best to work alongside your financial planning team to determine the best benefits and trusts for your child. At Trumpet Behavioral Health, we can help direct you toward financial planners that might work well with your family, ensuring you feel confident that your child’s financial future is safe.