Other Public Funding Sources
Decoder

Other Public Funding Sources

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Overview

From SSI to California Children’s Services, there are many sources of funding to supplement your private insurance. Check out these resources to learn whether your child is eligible and how to take advantage of these programs to meet your child's support needs.

Who is eligible for California Children’s Services (CCS)?

CCS can be an important avenue of assistance for children with significant medical needs who are not Regional Center clients. Children under age 21 who have a medical condition from a specific list and whose family income is under a certain threshold can qualify for CCS services. Note that family income is NOT a factor for children who need diagnostic services to confirm they have a CCS-eligible medical condition, were adopted with a known CCS-eligible medical condition, or are applying only for services through the Medical Therapy Program, which can provide occupational and physical therapies free of charge. Learn more in our article about CCS.

Contents


Overview

Who is eligible for California Children’s Services (CCS)?

How do I know if my child qualifies for Social Security benefits?

Where can I find funding for early intervention services?

Related Parent Questions

Is my child eligible for Social Security benefits?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers cash benefits for some children with disabilities. The child’s disability needs to have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months, or is expected to shorten the child’s life span.
What is Head Start?
California Head Start offers early learning programs for children with and without disabilities ages 0 to 5. These programs are federally funded and free to low-income families, foster children, those experiencing homelessness, and those who meet other eligibility requirements.
What is California Children’s Services (CCS)?
California Children’s Services (CCS) is a state program that provides and funds diagnostic and treatment services to children under age twenty-one with CCS-eligible medical conditions. CCS may provide support for families who have exhausted other options.
Who is eligible for California Children’s Services (CCS)?
CCS eligibility is usually based on income: ​​a family’s adjusted gross income must be less than $40,000, or the child’s out-of-pocket medical expenses must be more than 20% of the family’s income. However, if the child is a Medi-Cal recipient, CCS will not look at family income.
What are SELPAs and LEAs?
For school-age children in California, Special Education Local Planning Areas (SELPAs) maintain and oversee special education programs and services, and they can provide adaptive equipment and other accommodations and devices as outlined in a student’s IEP.
Who is eligible for CalABLE?
An individual is automatically eligible for CalABLE if they have a disability that occurred before age 26 and they receive benefits under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
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Author

Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes.

Reviewed by

Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor


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