MY SIBLING NEEDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT

When a person 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 sibling may be eligible for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Your sibling 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. SSI INFO SSDI INFO  

MEDICAID

Your sibling 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. The developmental disability (DD) waiver, also known as the 0208 waiver, can be used to support independent living, job support, and other services. MEDICAID BENEFITS DEVELOPMENTAL PHYSICAL

SECURING FINANCIAL SUPPORT

If you or your parents created a Special Needs Trust (SNT) or opened an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account when your sibling was younger, those funds may be useful now. These can be used without jeopardizing governmental supports 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 and ABLE account, consider doing so. Both have unique features and it may be desirable to establish both for your sibling. If your sibling is employed, their wages can be deposited into an ABLE account.` TRUSTS ABLE Click below for a list of lawyers and other resources that may help you with your financial needs. VIEW LIST

MY SIBLING WANTS TO CONTINUE HIS/HER EDUCATION

There is an ever growing number of post-secondary education options available for adults with developmental disabilities. EDUCATION PROGRAMS MSU LIFE SCHOLARS VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

MY SIBLING WANTS TO HAVE A JOB

Work options for your sibling will depend on their skills. Some may need a shelter 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 DD (0208) waiver. Vocational Rehab and local job services offices can provide assistance in finding meaningful employment. If your adult sibling requires work support Reach, Inc., MAP, Montana Independent Living Project, and Family Outreach may be able to provide job coaches either using DD waiver funds or private pay. REACH WORK CENTER INDEPENDENT LIVING PROJECT FAMILY OUTREACH

MY SIBLING NEEDS A HIGHLY SUPPORTED LIVING ENVIRONMENT

Reach, Inc. operates group homes in Bozeman. Other group homes exist in other Montana cities REACH INC VIEW LIST  

MY SIBLING WANTS TO LIVE AS INDEPENDENTLY AS POSSIBLE

Reach, Inc. and Family Outreach, Inc. provide supported living services. The DD (0208) waiver funds can be used to pay for these services. It is also possible to pay using personal funds. REACH INC FAMILY OUTREACH  

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 is available. DD (0208) waiver funds can be used to cover costs for Galavan and taxi rides. STREAMLINE BUS GALAVAN  

LEGAL CONCERNS

Providing for your sibling if you pass away is particularly important if you have a sibling with developmental disabilities. In order to protect SSI and other governmental benefits your sib 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. SPECIAL NEEDS ALLIANCE If you have not already made the decision, it is now a good time to determine whether or not to become your sibling’s legal guardian. Some siblings 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 below for a list of lawyers and other resources that may help you with your financial needs. VIEW LIST  

RESPITE CARE

Because many adult sibs with developmental disabilities require some level of support from their parents or siblings, it can be challenging for these caregivers to travel, etc. A respite care provider can provide the support needed while parents/siblings travel. The level of support can range from simply checking in with the adult sibling with special needs to providing meals or transportation or overnight stays at the home. Agencies providing adult services such as Reach, Inc. 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 sibling’s Path4Care. Click below for a list of agencies and organizations you may find helpful.   VIEW LIST