Some info for autism newbies

[*Peanut*]

Ladies, consider applying for these:

- SSI (there is also another add on that you can do through regional center that will pay you for watching your child, or will help you pay someone to watch your child while you work)
- Medicaid (if you get SSI, Medicaid is automatic - the ss dept sends in the application for you)
- help from regional center (for co pays for treatment)
- respite care
- free diapers (through your regional center)
- handicapped parking permit

[NewbieSAHM]

Interesting you brought this up... DH has talked about the possibility of applying for SSI for DS, but I didn't believe him that it was even an option. Any tips on where to begin? I've tried to look into it but the SSI website is overwhelming and I haven't had much luck elsewhere.

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM Interesting you brought this up... DH has talked about the possibility of applying for SSI for DS, but I didn't believe him that it was even an option. Any tips on where to begin? I've tried to look into it but the SSI website is overwhelming and I haven't had much luck elsewhere.

Your best resource is your local regional center. They know all the ins and outs of it.

[NewbieSAHM]

Thank you - good idea. I've never thought to just go in or call!

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM Thank you - good idea. I've never thought to just go in or call!

How old is your LO? Usually they age out of the regional center at 3, but they make exceptions for autistic kids. We get almost all our services through regional center.

[*Peanut*]

SSI involves two parts: the SSI application and a Child Disability Report. The SSI cannot be completed over the Internet; only by phone or in person. The CDR can, however, be completed online. They recommend to speak with someone over the phone before completing the form and risking denial. Sometimes there is a callback list, so you might have to wait a bit. Hth!

[NewbieSAHM]

DS will be five in March. Perhaps we missed that boat.

[*Peanut*]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM DS will be five in March. Perhaps we missed that boat.

You should call and ask. lots of kids don't get diagnosed until after 3.

[iris0110]

Originally Posted by NewbieSAHM DS will be five in March. Perhaps we missed that boat.

You can absolutely submit an SSI claim for your child at almost any age (under 18, over 18 and it gets a little trickier depending on their disability). I submitted Kearnan's just after his 5th birthday and he was approved almost immediately. I am considering applying for my youngest who recently turned 7 and was diagnosed bipolar. My understanding is that he will not qualify for income or if he does it will split what his brother receives, but by qualifying he will then qualify for medicaid which will help with his prescriptions and therapies. I do not know anything about regional centers though, I think that must vary by area. SSI is different from state to state. As far as I know a child/family must qualify both by disability as well as by income level however in some areas a child can be denied based on income, qualify based on disability and therefore qualify for certain medical needs benefits like medicaid. It is certainly worth pursuing.

[Aub's]

I am a newbie with this, we have applied for SSI but what is a regional center? I feel stupid for asking but I would love to know.