Contents

Introduction.

Persons with Disabilities: Birth to 14 Years Old.

Nevada Resources

Federal Resources.

Persons with Disabilities: 14 to 22 Years Old.

Nevada Resources

Persons with Disabilities: 18 Years and Older

Nevada Resources

Federal Resources.

General Resources.

Persons with Disabilities and Families/Caregivers: Across the Lifespan.

General Resources.

Additional Resources

 

Introduction

 

Being a person with a disability (PWD) or the parent/guardian of a person with a disability presents many challenges. One of the most significant challenge includes overcoming substantial barriers to establishing financial stability. The purpose of this toolkit is to provide PWDs and parents/guardians with simple, high-quality, easily-accessible information regarding various federal and Nevada-specific resources designed to assist PWDs and their family members to more efficiently navigate the process of financial decision making. 

 

This toolkit addresses only financial-related services and resources.  Any questions regarding additional services outside the scope of this toolkit should be addressed directly to the agency in question. Additionally, this toolkit provides easy access to many, but not all, of the financial resources available and is intended to be used by PWDs and/or families as a starting place when considering financial stability and future planning. The authors encourage all users of this toolkit to complete their own research before making decisions.

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Persons with Disabilities: Birth to 14 Years Old

 

The cost of services for children with disabilities is often times overwhelming and may not be covered by insurance. Both Nevada and the federal government have a variety of services available to help families offset costs related to caring for a child with a disability.

 

Nevada Resources

Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division

The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) in the State of Nevada, Department of Health and Human Services, represents people with disabilities or special health care needs in Nevada.

        

• The Medical Home Portal provides families with extensive information related to financing their child’s healthcare services including information regarding Sate Title V CSHCN programs.

  • https://nv.medicalhomeportal.org/living-with-child/funding-your-childs-special-needs/financing-your-childs-healthcare

• Autism Treatment Assistance Program (ATAP) helps families pay for autism-related intervention services.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Autism/ATAP/ATAP/ 

• Family Preservation Program provides financial assistance to family members caring for their relatives with severe or profound developmental disabilities, so that the family member can remain at home avoiding costly out of home placements.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Intellectual/FamilyPres/FamilyPreservation/

  • Family Preservation Programs are provided through Regional Centers (Sierra, Desert, and Rural). These Regional Centers provide a wide-range of services for people with developmental disabilities regardless of age.

    • http://adsd.nv.gov/Contact/Contact_DevServices/

 

Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services

The mission of the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services is to engage clients, staff, and the community to provide public assistance benefits to all who qualify and reasonable support for children with absentee parents to help Nevadans achieve safe, stable, and healthy lives. 

 

• Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to families who qualify.

  • https://dwss.nv.gov/TANF/Financial_Help/

• provides subsidized health insurance for people who qualify.

  • https://dwss.nv.gov/Medical/1_0_Apply_for_Assistance/

• Katie Beckett Eligibility Option: In Nevada, Medicaid benefits are available to eligible children with disabilities who would not ordinarily qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of the parents’ income or resources. 

  • http://dhcfp.nv.gov/Pgms/LTSS/LTSSKatieBeckett/

 

Federal Resources

Social Security Administration

The SSA is a federal government agency that administers social programs covering disability, retirement and survivors’ benefits.

 

• Social Security Administration: Benefits for Children with Disabilities is a resource booklet for the parents, caregivers, or representatives of children younger than age 18 who have disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults who became disabled in childhood (prior to age 22), and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

  • https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf

​

 

Persons with Disabilities: 14 to 22 Years Old

 

Once a child with a disability reaches the age of 14, they are considered a “transition-aged youth” and will remain as such through his/her 22nd birthday. This is a critical period of development as teenagers move into young adulthood.  As a result, additional services are available for this age group.  The vast majority of the services are federally-funded; however, funding is administered by state agencies.

 

Nevada Resources

Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division

The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD), Department of Health and Human Services, represents people with disabilities or special health care needs in Nevada.

 

• The Medical Home Portal provides information and resources related to a PWDs transition to adulthood.

  • https://nv.medicalhomeportal.org/living-with-child/navigating-transitions-with-your-child

 

Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

DETR services are designed to address assessment, training, treatment, and job placement for Nevadans with disabilities. The division places primary emphasis on providing necessary services to help clients work and live independently.

 

• DETR Rehabilitation Division Home Page

  • http://nvdetr.org/Rehab%20pages/rehab.htm

• DETR Transition Services are designed to serve youth with 14-22 with disabilities.

  • http://nvdetr.org/Rehab pages/transitionservices.htm

• Vocational Rehabilitation Client Assistance Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities resolve problems they may experience with any of Nevada's rehabilitation programs.

  • http://detr.state.nv.us/Rehab%20pages/cap.htm

 

Nevada Division of Child and Family Services

DCFS provides support and services to assist Nevada's children and families in reaching their full human potential.

 

• Independent Living (IL) Program: The Nevada Independent Living Program is designed to assist and prepare foster and former foster youth in making the transition from foster care to adulthood, by providing opportunities to obtain life skills for self-sufficiency and independence, through learning and training opportunities and financial assistance.

  • http://dcfs.nv.gov/Programs/CWS/IL/

 

The Nevada Disability Advocacy Law Center

NDALC is a private, statewide non-profit organization that serves as Nevada’s federally-mandated protection and advocacy system for human, legal, and service rights for individuals with disabilities.

 

• Transition Services Planning Handbook: A Checklist for Parents of Children/Youth with Disabilities.

  • www.ndalc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Transition-Service-Booklet-FINAL-SSA-approved_9-27-16.pdf

 

Persons with Disabilities: 18 Years and Older

 

When a PWD reaches the “age of majority” and turns 18 years old, most of the service systems shift from an “entitlement” system to an “eligibility” system.  It is important for PWDs who are transitioning into adulthood and their families to understand these differences. Simply stated, entitlement services are guaranteed under federal and state law, such as access to Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Eligibility services are not guaranteed under law and require PWDs to actively establish his/her eligibility in order to receive services. Interaction with eligibility-based services requires significantly more self-advocacy and active participation in the process.

 

Additionally, individuals who are 18 years of age and older have the right to make informed decisions about how they live their lives, especially decisions related to finances, health, and education. Sometimes, PWDs need additional support to successfully navigate such adult decisions. In those situations, PWDs and their families may want to consider service options such as guardianship and supported decision-making.

 

Nevada Resources

Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division

The Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD), Department of Health and Human Services, represents people with disabilities or special health care needs in Nevada.

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Services for people with physical disabilities:

 

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides financial assistance related to health insurance.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Seniors/SHIP/SHIP_Prog/

• Disability Rx Program provides financial assistance related to prescription medication.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/DisabilityRx/DisabilityRx/

• Taxi Assistance Program (Clark County only) provides financial assistance related to transportation.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Seniors/TAP/TAP_Prog/

 

Services for people with intellectual disabilities and related conditions:

 

• Family Support Services provides financial support for respite care.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Intellectual/FamilySupp/FamilySupport/

• Family Preservation Services provides financial support for family members caring for other family members with developmental disabilities.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Intellectual/FamilyPres/FamilyPreservation/

• Jobs and Day Training provides services related to job training and employment readiness.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Intellectual/JDT/JDT/

• Disability Rx Program provides financial assistance related to prescription medication.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Physical/DisabilityRx/DisabilityRx/

• Supported Living Arrangement provides services related to living options for people with developmental disabilities.

  • http://adsd.nv.gov/Programs/Intellectual/SLA/SLA/

 

Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation

DETR services are designed to address assessment, training, treatment, and job placement for Nevadans with disabilities. The division places primary emphasis on providing necessary services to help clients work and live independently.

 

• Vocational Rehabilitation Program is designed to help people with disabilities become employed and to help those already employed perform more successfully through training, counseling and other support methods.

  • http://detr.state.nv.us/Rehab pages/voc rehab.htm

• Vocational Rehabilitation Client Assistance Program is designed to assist individuals with disabilities resolve problems they may experience with any of Nevada's rehabilitation programs.

  • http://detr.state.nv.us/Rehab%20pages/cap.htm

 

Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services

The mission of the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services is to engage clients, staff, and the community to provide public assistance benefits to all who qualify and reasonable support for children with absentee parents to help Nevadans achieve safe, stable, and healthy lives. 

 

• Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to families who qualify.

  • https://dwss.nv.gov/TANF/Financial_Help/

• provides subsidized health insurance for people who qualify.

  • https://dwss.nv.gov/Medical/1_0_Apply_for_Assistance/

 

Federal Resources

Social Security Administration

The SSA is a federal government agency that administers social programs covering disability, retirement and survivors’ benefits.

 

• Medicare provides federally-supported health insurance for people over the age of 65.

  • https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

  • https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/

• SSA Resource Publication: What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18.

  • https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11005.pdf

 

General Resources

 

Guardianship

Guardianship is a legal relationship where a surrogate decision-maker is appointed by the court to make personal and/or financial decisions for a minor or an adult with mental or physical disabilities. The following resources provide information about guardianship:

​

• Guardianship and Decision-Making Options for Adults with Disabilities Handbook

  • http://www.ndalc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Guardianship-Handbook.pdf

• Autism Speaks Transition Toolkit

  • https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/2018-08/Transition%20Tool%20Kit.pdf

• Guardianship Training: How to Be a Guardian, The Practical Approach

  • http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/public-guardian/Pages/GuardianshipTraining.aspx

• Washoe County Public Guardian Information and Resources

  • https://www.washoecounty.us/guardian/index.php

• Adult Guardianship Training Brochure

  • https://www.washoecounty.us/guardian/files/family_guardianship_training_flyer.pdf

• Clark County Guardian Registration Information:

       Clark County Public Guardian’s Office
      515 Shadow Lane
      Las Vegas, Nevada

       http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/public-guardian/services/Pages/Guardianship.aspx

​

• Washoe County Guardian information:

      Washoe County Law Library & Self-Help Center

      One South Sierra, 1st floor

      Reno, NV 89501

      Phone: 775-325-6731

• https://www.washoecourts.com/LawLibrary/SelfHelp

 

Supported Decision-Making

Supported Decision-Making is an alternative to Guardianship. It is a model for supporting people with disabilities, often cognitive disabilities, to make significant decisions and exercise their legal capacity. Specific decisions are addressed, weighed and concluded by the person with disability, while drawing on the support of a network of people or an individual. The following resources provide information related to Supported Decision-Making:

 

• National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making

  • http://www.supporteddecisionmaking.org/

• Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making Article

  • http://povertylaw.org/clearinghouse/articles/guardianship

• National Health Care and Transition Center Alternatives for Decision-Making Resource

  • http://www.supporteddecisionmaking.org/sites/default/files/guardianship_alternatives_decision-making_support.pdf

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Persons with Disabilities and Families/Caregivers: Across the Lifespan

 

General Resources

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CFPB is a federal agency dedicated to protecting consumer rights. CFPB offers resource publications related specifically to PWDs.

 

• Financial Empowerment Guide: Your Money, Your Goals: Focus on People with Disabilities

  • https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_ymyg_focus-on-people-with-disabilities.pdf

• General Financial Empowerment Materials

  • https://www.consumerfinance.gov/practitioner-resources/your-money-your-goals

 

Nevada Disability Advocacy and Law Center

NDALC is a private, statewide non-profit organization that serves as Nevada’s federally-mandated protection and advocacy system for human, legal, and service rights for individuals with disabilities.

 

• Nevada Advocacy Resource

  • http://www.ndalc.org/

 

Achieving a Better Life Act of 2014 (ABLE ACT)

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families.

 

• ABLE Accounts: 10 Things You Should Know provides information regarding the history, benefits, eligibility, and management of ABLE accounts. 

  • www.ablenrc.org/about/what-are-able-accounts

• ABLE Nevada helps individuals plan, invest, and save, while preserving their SSI and Medicaid.

  • https://savewithable.com/nv/home.html  

 

Additional Resources

 

Social Security Administration’s 2017 Red Book: A Summary Guide to Employment Supports for Persons with Disabilities Under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Programs providing details about employment and SSI/SSDI.

• https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/documents/TheRedBook2017.pdf

Nevada Advocacy and Law Center Health and Financial Decisions Handbook outlines various considerations related to health and financial decisions.

• http://www.ndalc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Health_Financial_Decisions.pdf

Nevada Advocacy and Law Center Health Know Your Rights Toolkit outlines various considerations related to parenting with a disability.

• http://www.ndalc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/508_Parenting_Toolkit.pdf

Financial Coaching provided by Opportunity Alliance Nevada, a state-wide nonprofit organization focused on helping Nevadan’s achieve financial stability through a variety of services, including financial coaching.

• http://www.opportunityalliancenv.org/about-us/what-is-financial-coaching/

 

Special Needs Trust

A special needs trust is a specialized trust that allows the disabled beneficiary use of property that is held in the trust for his or her benefit, while at the same time allowing the beneficiary to receive essential needs-based government benefits.

 

• Special Needs Trust Resource

  • https://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2012/09/06/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-special-needs-trust-ensuring-your-childs-future/

• Division of Welfare and Supportive Services Medicaid Manual Treatment of Trusts Definitions

  • https://dwss.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dwssnvgov/content/Medical/F-500%20-%20Treatment%20of%20Trusts.pdf