Financial & Legal Planning

Age of Majority

(more…)

Getting Ready for Independent Living at the Age of Majority

(more…)

How Guardianship and Alternatives Impact the Autonomy of People with ID/DD

Turning Rights Into Reality: How Guardianship and Alternatives Impact the Autonomy of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is an authoritative report submitted by the National Council on Disability to the President and Congress as part of the Council’s independent advisory role. The report examines the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD), and how the use of alternatives such as supported decision-making enable some individuals with ID/DD to exercise greater self-determination and economic self-sufficiency. Access the report here.

Financial Planning Guide for Parents of a Child with Special Needs

(more…)

Social Security Benefits for Children with Disabilities

(more…)

Beyond Guardianship: Toward Alternatives That Promote Greater Self-Determination

According to the National Council on Disability (NOD), guardianship is overused and often unnecessarily deprives individuals with disabilities of their rights. Typically, guardianship involves a state-court determination that an individual lacks the capacity to make decisions with respect to their health, safety, welfare, and/or property. Yet, there are many alternatives to guardianship that increase the ability of individuals with disabilities to exercise self-determination, live and work in the community, and participate in civic life. The report explores these alternatives and includes recommendations that will help align the use of guardianship and decision-making alternatives with the Americans with Disabilities Act and national policies of equal access and opportunity.

Read more about Beyond Guardianship, and access it in multiple forms (PDF, Word, summary).

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits for Transition Age Youth

2014 | This webcast, produced by the VCU RRTC*, provides a summary of the eligibility requirements for the most common Social Security benefits received by transition-age youth: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Child’s Benefits, and Childhood Disability Benefits. Instruction is provided about how to begin the application process for each benefit as well as what to expect during the application process.

What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18

This booklet was produced by the Social Security Administration for youth who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and their parents, teachers, health providers, caregivers, or representatives. It helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life and provides information on the many services and types of supports available from Social Security and other federal and state agencies as youth prepare to transition to higher education and employment.

Getting Ready for When Your Child Reaches the Age of Majority: A Parent’s Guide

(more…)