Section 4: Rights and Regulations
53 Government Support Opportunities
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- If you have a low income and limited resources, SSI will provide specific monthly funds to help support your child’s needs. These needs are limited to the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.
- You can apply for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) through the Social Security Administration if your child has a long-term disability (expected to last over a year) and your family is income eligible. Family assets must be below $2,000.00.
- Once a child turns 18, they qualify as an adult. At this time, their income eligibility rests solely on them and not on the family.
For more information about SSDI for your child, visit https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf
(US Social Security Administration)
Medicaid
- Medicaid is a federally funded health insurance program for low income individuals, including people with disabilities.
- An individual must apply and qualify for both disability and income guidelines through the Division of Family Resources at the FSSA.
- Family assets must be below $1500.00 to receive these services.
To determine if you are eligible, apply, and access the Medicaid online portal, visit https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/
You can also visit your local State Division of Family Resources office or call 1-800-403-0864 to apply for benefits.
(Family & Social Services Administration)
Children Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
- CSHCS is a program in Indiana that provides supplemental medical coverage to children up to 21 years old. This was developed to help families that may not qualify for Medicaid support, but are below the funds for private insurance.
- It helps families pay for treatment related to their severe, chronic medical conditions. Autism does qualify a child for these services.
- A family with an income, before taxes, no greater than 250% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for the program.
For more information, visit https://www.in.gov/isdh/26663.htm. To apply for services, visit https://eportal.isdh.in.gov/cshcs/index.html.
(Indiana State Department of Health)
Hoosier Healthwise: Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- CHIP is a non-Medicaid, state-designed program that provides coverage to uninsured children younger than 19 years of age.
- To qualify, families must have an income between 150-250% of the federal poverty level and the child must not have health insurance during the 3 months before applying.
- The family must also cover all cost-sharing requirements.
For more information, visit https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/174.htm
(Family & Social Services Administration, Indiana Health Coverage Programs Provider Manual, The Arc of Indiana)