A few months ago during a visit with my daughter, I made a feeble attempt to describe the benefits that her brother, Dave, depends on to support his ability to live independently. She exclaimed “that’s a blog post!” So, here is the first in a series of posts that will outline the three types of benefits that support Dave’s independence. The posts will include how the benefits are funded, eligibility rules and income limits.
Overview of Dave’s Benefits
Dave works 20 hours a week at Goodwill. He receives additional income through Social Security Disability (SSDI), as well as Social Security from his father’s work record. And he receives benefits through Medicaid (Medical Assistance), which pays for his habilitation aides, among other things. A housing voucher from the federal government helps him pay his rent. Finally, Medicare and Medicaid safeguard his health. Each program is funded differently (either federal, state, or both) and has its own rules. If this sounds complex, it’s because it is! But it is important to keep track of these benefits because they safeguard his health and ability to live independently.
In this series of posts, I’ll briefly discuss the three type of benefits necessary to support Dave’s ability to live independently. Of course, all situations are different, so the supports Dave needs are undoubtedly different from other individuals with disabilities who live independently.
I have categorized the three types of supports Dave receives as Income, Independent Living, and Health. Clicking on each of the icons to the left will take you to the post that describes the benefits in that category. But before reading the detailed category posts, please take a moment to read about eligibility because all programs have requirements that determine whether or not a person can receive benefits.
Eligibility
In Dave’s case, these criteria include disability status and finances. Dave’s diagnosis as a person with Down syndrome has been a gift when it comes to qualifying for benefits. Many people bristle at labels for children with disabilities. “My child is not defined by a label,” they say. Or, my personal favorite, “labels are for jars.” I get it, and I don’t disagree. But a diagnosis of Down syndrome gives Dave instant eligibility. The process of applying for and maintaining benefits is much smoother than it would be without his diagnosis.
After disability, the next requirement is financial. Each program has an upper limit on the income allowed for an individual to receive benefits, as well as specific types of income that are considered. These differ for each program. The following blog posts provide a more detailed summary of each of the benefits that Dave receives as I understand them.
Again, clicking each icon will take you to a detailed post on that category.