Information and Referral

You may be able to receive services from a number of different resources. Talk to your case manager about some of the resources listed below. They may also know of other resources that you should pursue.

CHOICE
A state-funded program under the Indiana Bureau of Aging and In-Home Services that provides supports to people who are elderly and disabled, including children. In-home services such as respite care, home modifications, personal assistance and other services can be provided. There is a waiting list for services.
Contact: Area Agencies on Aging, 1-800-986-3505

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DOE) FUNDING
The Department of Education (DOE) offers funding for a variety of “wraparound” services for children enrolled in special education whose education program cannot be fully met by their local school district. These community-based services are individually planned to meet a child’s needs, and plans are family-centered, rather than child-centered.
Contact: Local school system.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The Children’s Special Health Care Services covers a variety of medical needs for children who qualify (needs and income requirements).
Contact: 1-800-475-1355

DIVISION OF FAMILY RESOURCES (DFR) FUNDING
The Division of Family Resources (DFR) offers funding for some services. Their CHINS Program (Children in Need of Services) ensures Medicaid eligibility and services for children who are wards of the State. Healthy Families program offers intensive services for at-risk children and their families. The First Steps program assures families with infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) experiencing developmental delays or disabilities have access to early intervention services close to home when they need them.
Contact: Local Division of Family Resources Office

EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS
Individual’s employment earnings or savings from that earning may constitute a personal resource that can pay for some of the services. If you are unemployed or want to be employed, discuss the possibility of employment with your case manager or BDDS Service Coordinator. Both BDDS and Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) offer various work-related services.
Contact: Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services

MEDICAID
Medicaid is a medical insurance program, which funds medical services and equipment to eligible individuals. An individual must meet specific income and resources guidelines, based on the size of the family. Medicaid can also pay for a licensed residential facility, such as a group home.
Some individuals may be eligible to receive services through one of Medicaid’s managed care programs, such as Hoosier Healthwise. An individual cannot be on a Medicaid managed care program and also receive Medicaid waiver services; however, an individual receiving Medicaid waiver services can receive regular Medicaid medical services.
Contact: County Office of Division of Family Resources (DFR) to apply for Medicaid. Contact the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services to apply for Medicaid waivers or Medicaid funded residential services

MEDICAID FOR EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES (M.E.D. WORKS)
Individuals with disabilities who are working can participate in this program and may pay a premium based on the earning to continue Medicaid coverage.
Contact: County Office of Division of Family Resources (DFR)

MEDICAID HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES (HCBS) WAIVERS
The Medicaid HCBS Waivers fund supportive services to individuals in their own homes or in community settings. The Medicaid waivers fund services to individuals who are at risk of institutionalization, meet the level of care specific to a waiver, and meet the financial limits established by the particular waiver. (For children under 18 years old, parental income is disregarded.) There are a limited number slots for each waiver, so an eligible individuals cannot receive services until there is a slot available for that individual.
An individual can be on the waiting list for any or all of the waivers, after meeting eligibility requirements; however, may receive services from only one waiver.
Contact: Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services

MEDICARE
Medicare is the nation’s largest health insurance program and funds health care benefits for individuals who meet the eligibility criteria. Individuals must be at least 65 years old, or disabled, or have permanent kidney failure. Medicare has two parts – Part A is hospital insurance, Part B is medical insurance.
Contact: Local Social Security Administration office. Addresses and phone numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-722-1213 or via the internet at http://www.ssa.gov/ 

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DISABILITY INSURANCE (SSDI)
Social Security Administration Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides a specified monthly benefit to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. An individual must have paid into the Social Security system for a minimum of 5 years (fewer years for individuals under 25) or be the widow/widower of an individual who has paid into the system. Children can receive SSDI benefits after the death or disability of a parent who paid into the Social Security system. The amount of the monthly benefit is based on the individual’s, spouse’s, or parent’s past income.
To be eligible for SSDI payments, an individual must meet the criteria of “disability”, e.g. have a physical or mental impairment, or a combination of impairments that are long-lasting in nature or expected to last for at least a year, and the condition prevents the individual from working. Individuals who are approved for SSDI will have periodic reviews of their condition of disability, in order to ascertain if the individual continues to be disabled.
Contact: Local Social Security Administration office. Addresses and phone numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-722-1213 or via the internet at http://www.ssa.gov/

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides a specified monthly benefit to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. SSI can be paid to individuals who are disabled. To be eligible for SSI disability payments, an individual must meet the established eligibility criteria to be “disabled.” For instance, the individual must have a physical or mental impairment, or a combination of impairments, that are long-lasting in nature or expected to last for at least a year, and the condition prevents the individual from working. The eligibility also includes an income limit that varies with the size of the family. The amount of the benefit is based on the individual’s income and resources. Individuals who are approved for SSI disability will have periodic review of their conditions to ascertain if the individual continues to be disabled.
Contact: Local Social Security Administration office. Addresses and phone numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-722-1213 or via the internet at http://www.ssa.gov/

TRUST FUNDS
There are various types of trust funds, e.g. funds in a trust that has been established for the benefit of an individual. Families should consult a knowledgeable attorney or trust advisor when creating a trust. How a trust is established can determine whether or not trust funds count as a personal resource. Following is a brief description of trusts that may be established for an individual with a disability. A trust is “available” to an individual with a disability if he or she has the unrestricted right, authority or legal ability to liquidate or dispose of trust property.
A trust is not “available” to the person with a disability if he or she does not have the unrestricted right, authority or legal ability to liquidate or dispose of the trust property.
“Special Needs Trusts” and “Pooled Trusts”, if set up to meet specific guidelines under federal law, are not available to the person with a disability, and therefore would not count as a resource for means tested benefits such as SSI, the federal/state Medicaid program, or the state supported living program.
Information on Special Needs Trusts and Pooled Trusts is available from The Arc of Indiana at 1-800-382-9100 or via http://www.arcind.org/. This information is provided by The Arc Trust, which is sponsored by The Arc of the United States and The Arc of Indiana.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) can provide any goods and services necessary to help an individual become employable. Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides individualized services for those who meet the eligibility requirements and want to work. To be eligible for services, an individual must have a physical or mental impairment, which creates or causes a substantial impediment to employment. The individual must require VRS services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.
Contact: Local Vocational Rehabilitation Services office. You may call 1-800-545-7763 and ask for extension 1319 to obtain local office numbers.

OTHER RESOURCES
Your family may assist you in meeting some of your needs. You may also have other supports from friends, faith community, clubs, etc. that can help meet some of your needs. There may be other types of funding and/or supports available to you from agencies. Examples are United Cerebral Palsy, the Epilepsy Foundation or any not-for-profit community organization; support from a philanthropic individual/organization; or funds/gifts or willingness to volunteer for unpaid supports/assistance from a relative or friend. Your case manager can help you explore the availability of these funds