State Maternal and Child Health agencies maintain a toll-free hotline for information about Title V programs and providers. Check mchb.tvisdata.hrsa.gov to locate your local Title V program or call the national Title V toll-free number at 800-311-2229.

THE FAIR HOUSING ACT AND OTHER HOUSING PROGRAMS

If you or someone in your family has special needs, your home may need specific modifications such as a wheelchair ramp or wider doorways to make it accessible for daily living.

The Fair Housing Act (www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp) protects your family with special needs from discrimination when renting or buying property. Under this law, property owners are required to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, as well as allowing residents to make their own modifications.

If you live in privatized housing on a military installation, your property managers are required—at no cost to you—to make reasonable accommodations that abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ada.gov/2010_regs.htm).

Families with special needs have the right to accessible housing. Your installation housing office or your Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator can help you look for affordable housing on and off the base. Visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS to find contact information.

MEDICAID BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Medicaid (medicaid.gov/chip/index.html) is a federal program that covers basic health and long-term care services. This benefit is available for military family members with special needs that require medical attention beyond what is available through TRICARE.

Every state has its own Medicaid program with income restrictions and criteria for eligibility. Check medicaid.gov/state- overviews/index.html for your state to see if you qualify and for more information. You can also find more information through the Military OneSource eLearning module on government assistance at millifelearning.militaryonesource.mil/f?p=SIS:9:::::P9_ID:66

MEDICARE

Medicare could also help provide health care coverage and save you money in the process. Children and adult children with disabilities may be eligible for services. Learn more at medicare.gov. You can also contact your installation's Exceptional Family Member Program office or a Military OneSource special needs consultant.

UNITED FRONT: As a military family, you can count on the support of the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, and Military OneSource special needs specialty consultants. In addition, there are federal and state programs committed to providing additional assistance for families with special needs.

ADDITIONAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Women, Infants and Children program are designed to aid children with special needs. More information about these benefits is provided at usa.gov, an official government website search engine that links to government agencies, programs and services. – Military OneSource

EFMP & ME IS HERE

Military families with special needs – Take time to explore services and supports using this personalized tool as your guide. Online, 24/7. Learn more at: militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/exceptional-family- member/efmp-me-online-tool-for-military-families-with-special-needs

Learn about the benefits available to you with the Special Needs Parent Toolkit and use them to take good care of your family. militaryonesource.mil/products/special-needs-parent-toolkit-downloadable-146