What public benefits are available for kids with disabilities in my state?

Each US state has services set up for parents raising children with developmental disabilities, but since they all have different names and the available services vary wildly, it can be difficult to figure out what your child qualifies for to help fund their medical and therapeutic care. Here are some places to get started:

• Your state’s department of developmental disability services: To find the disability agency in your state, including their website and contact information, check this list from the National Association of DDS.

• Your state’s Medicaid program: Use this list to look up the Medicaid program in your state. Although Medicaid is an income-based program, your state likely has a waiver that allows children with disabilities to receive coverage even if their parents’ income is too high for the Medicaid limit.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a federal program, so eligibility criteria will be the same no matter what state you live in. Check out this article to learn more.

• Your state’s department of education: Your local PTI may have information on public benefits programs in your state and/or can connect you with local organizations that provide more support. Use this website to find the PTI nearest you.

• Disability advocacy organizations: Disability advocacy organizations won’t directly provide benefits, but they can help you navigate your state’s programs and understand your child’s rights under disability law. Look up your state on this list.

• Your state’s department of vocational rehabilitation: Teens with disabilities can often qualify for services to prepare them for future employment. Look up your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency here to reach out and learn more.

• Your state’s ABLE account program: Each state’s ABLE account program comes with different benefits and limitations, so use this website to look up your state and learn more.

For more tips about each of these resources, see our full article How to Find Your State’s Public Benefits for Children with Disabilities.