BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
There are federal and state programs committed to providing additional assistance for families with special needs. As a military family, you also can count on the support of the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, (militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family-mem- ber/the-exceptional-family-member-program-for-families-with-special-needs) and Military OneSource special needs specialty consultants (mil- itaryonesource.mil/confidential-help/specialty-consultations/special-needs-consulta- tions/special-needs-consultants).
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI (ssa.gov/benefits/ssi), is a federal program that helps to covers the basic needs for people with disabilities who have little or no income. SSI provides cash payments that can be used for food, medical and dental care, home improvements and other personal needs. To qualify, you or your family member must meet certain requirements:
- Income and other financial resources can't exceed the limits set for your state. However, as a military family, combat pay, hostile fire pay and imminent danger pay don't count
towards the limits. Check with your local Social Security office (secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp) to learn more.
- You must have medical evidence of a severe physical or mental impairment that limits your family member's ability to function for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
- If the parent is a member of the U.S. military and stationed overseas, children under 18 with special needs can receive benefits while overseas (ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-military-overseas.htm).
Check your family member's eligibility by completing the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool and learn everything you need to know before applying.
TITLE V PROGRAMS
In every state, you'll find services for children under 18 with special heath care needs, which are funded by Title V of the Social Security Act. Eligibility is determined by age, medical criteria and income. Title V programs assist with:
- Delivery of health services: Organization and delivery of health care services that meet the emotional, social and developmental needs of children.