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Adult Years, Ages 18+

For the last 18 or so years you have been doing your best to prepare your child for life as an adult. Your child will continue to grow and mature in the future with your continued support and with the support of adult services. The new challenge is to navigate these services. It is important that you understand that the support you and your child have received thus far has been in most cases entitlements (e.g., special education services). Most adult services are not entitlements. This means that you must prepare to wait for slots to open up. This can take several years. If you have not already done so, it is also important to decide if you need to become your child’s legal guardian.

Adult Years, Ages 18+

For the last 18 or so years you have been doing your best to prepare your child for life as an adult. Your child will continue to grow and mature in the future with your continued support and with the support of adult services. The new challenge is to navigate these services. It is important that you understand that the support you and your child have received thus far has been in most cases entitlements (e.g., special education services). Most adult services are not entitlements. This means that you must prepare to wait for slots to open up. This can take several years. If you have not already done so, it is also important to decide if you need to become your child’s legal guardian.

What You Need To Do

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MY ADULT CHILD NEEDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT

When a child with developmental disabilities turns 18 they are considered an adult. All governmental assistance eligibility will be based solely on their income and other factors. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) becomes easier to obtain. In some cases your child may be eligible for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).

MEDICAID

Your child may also be eligible for Medicaid benefits, which help with medical expenses. Medicaid is administered by each state, with monetary inputs from the federal government. The state of Montana also offers two medicaid waivers (a developmental disability waiver and a physical disability waiver), which can provide considerable financial support.

OTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If you created a Special Needs Trust (SNT) or opened an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account when your child was younger, those funds may be useful now. These can be used without jeopardizing governmental support such as SSI benefits and Medicaid. Special Needs Trusts can be used to cover expenses beyond those covered by SSI and Medicaid. Therefore, they can’t be used to pay for food or rent. ABLE accounts are more flexible and can be used to cover a broad range of expenses. If you haven’t yet established either an SNT or an ABLE account, consider doing so. Both have unique features and it may be desirable to establish both for your child. If your child is employed, their wages can be deposited into an ABLE account.
Click below for a list of lawyers and other resources that may help you with your financial needs.

MY ADULT CHILD WANTS TO CONTINUE HIS/HER EDUCATION

There is an ever growing number of post-secondary education options available for adults with developmental disabilities.
Click below for a list of resources that may help you find an appropriate higher education option for your child.
 

MY ADULT CHILD WANTS TO HAVE A JOB

Work options for your child will depend on their skills. Some may need a Work Center such as the Reach Work Center. Others may be able to work in the community with support or unsupported. Supported employment is one of the services covered by the Developmental Disability (DD; 0208) waiver. Vocational Rehab and local job services offices can provide assistance in finding meaningful employment. If your adult child requires work support Reach, Inc., Montana Achievement Project (MAP), Montana Independent Living Project (MILP), and Family Outreach may be able to provide job coaches either using DD waiver funds or private pay.

HOUSING

Some adult children with developmental disabilities require supervision at all times and/or do not have the skills needed to live independently. These adults may be best served by living in homes with others having similar needs. Reach, Inc. operates housing in Bozeman. Other homes exist in other Montana cities. Your child’s targeted case manager is able to help you identify other Montana housing options.
Reach, Inc., Montana Achievement Project (MAP), Montana Independent Living Project (MILP), and Family Outreach, Inc. provide supported living services. Supported living services provide help with independent living as dictated by the needs of the individual. This can include help preparing meals, grocery shopping, budgeting, and many other skills that allow the individual to live in their own home or apartment. The Developmental Disability (DD; 0208) waiver funds can be used to pay for these services. It is also possible to pay using personal funds.

GETTING AROUND TOWN

The Bozeman area is fortunate to have several transportation options. For many adult children with developmental disabilities the fare-free Streamline Bus system can provide rides around the city of Bozeman as well as to and from Belgrade and Livingston. For those locations that cannot be easily reached by Streamline bus, Galavan is helpful. It provides rides door-to-door in Bozeman and may provide rides to and from other nearby cities under certain conditions. There is no charge for Galavan rides, but a donation is requested. For both Streamline bus and Galavan, rides are limited to early morning through early evening. For other times taxi service and ride share options are available. The Developmental Disability (DD; 0208) waiver funds can be used to cover costs for Galavan and taxi rides.

LEGAL CONCERNS

Providing for your children if you pass away is particularly important if you have a child with developmental disabilities. In order to protect SSI and other governmental benefits your child cannot directly inherit money from your estate. Therefore your will must be constructed carefully. Useful resources for making a will can be found at the Special Needs Alliance website.
If you have not already made the decision, it is now a good time to determine whether or not to become your child’s legal guardian. Some children may have the ability and good judgement to make all financial, medical, and other decisions on their own. Some may need guidance and legal protection so that they don’t make inappropriate choices or are not taken advantage of by others. Alternatives to full guardianship are available.
Click belowf or a list of lawyers and other resources that may help you with your financial needs.

RESPITE CARE

Because many adult children with developmental disabilities require some level of support from their parents or siblings, it can be challenging for these caregivers to travel. A respite care provider can provide the support needed while caregivers travel. The level of support can range from simply checking in with the adult child to providing meals or transportation or overnight stays at the child’s home. Agencies providing adult services such as Reach, Inc., Montana Achievement Project (MAP), Montana Independent Living Project (MILP), or Family Outreach, Inc. may also be able to help.
A list of trained respite providers will be coming soon.

HELPFUL AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Numerous local, state, and national agencies and organizations can help you create your child’s Path4Care.
Click below for a list of agencies and organizations you may find helpful.

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