TRANSITION PLANNING
When and How Do I Begin? As soon as possible!
While formal transitional planning should begin in the school by age 15, there are steps that can be taken much earlier by families to help secure the future of their child. Transitional Planning should not only focus on long term goals, but also short term goals. Ask yourself, ‘when my child leaves high school, what is their NEXT step and where do I want them in five years?’
- College or Vocational School
- Gainful Employment
- Supported Employment
- Meaningful Day Programming
Other Considerations for When Your Child Turns 18:
- SSI: Monthly income stipend (2020 around $800) Eligible if you can demonstrate permanent disability that will prevent you from gainful employment. Cannot have more than $2,000 in assets and income will reduce benefit until it surpasses the poverty threshold when it will be eliminated entirely. Parental income no longer applies once 18.
- SSDI: Monthly income stipend determined based on parental contribution. If you paid into the disability insurance system, then your disabled child could receive a portion of your SSDI benefit with a DAC determination.
- SNAP: Monthly stipend for food, based on income threshold.
- Guardianship: Allows a parent to continue to make legal, financial and medical decisions.
- Trusts and Able Accounts: Protect your child’s benefits from reductions due to monetary gifts.
For more detailed information about Transition Planning and Services, including an OPWDD Eligibility video presentation, please click here.
Have questions or need assistance? LIAC offers FREE one-on-one benefits advisement and support with applications.
Contact LIAC’s Benefits Advisor, Pam Zimmer, MS Ed, to set up an appointment.
Pam can be reached at 631-234-0467 x 12 or at 631-988-6191 or via email at: pzimmer@theliac.org
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