1. AGENCY CONNECTIONS SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICAID Improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities in Washington State Center for Change in Transition Services

2. This webinar is closed- captioned. To view the captioning, click on the CC icon just above the video. CLOSED CAPTIONED (CC)

3. CCTS INTRODUCTIONS Cinda Johnson Ed.D., Principal Investigator Sue Ann Bube Ed.D., Director Julia Schechter M.Ed., Doctoral Research Assistant

4. TODAY’S GUESTS - Melinda Bocci Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities 3000 Rockefeller Ave. M/S 305 Everett, WA 98201 425-388-7259 melinda.bocci@snoco.org

5. 2015-2016 WEBINARS March 9 th Social Security/Medicaid Are you overwhelmed by SSI services? Join us as we learn about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits as well as how and when to apply. April 13 th Working with Providers/Vendors Discover how vendors may assist youth with disabilities in identifying their unique abilities and assisting with mobility, communication, independent living, and employment. May 11 th Customized Employment There is a job for everyone! Join us as we learn about and explore customized or carved employment options available to students with significant disabilities.

6. AGENCY CONNECTIONS Overview: Social Security and Benefits Planning  Why is this topic important to educators?  Social Security definition of disability  The basics of SSDI & SSI & SSDAC  How you can help  Tools and Resources SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICAID

7. SOCIAL SECURITY OVERVIEW: SSI, SSDI & SSDAC

8. DEFINITION OF DISABILITY To be considered disabled and therefore eligible for SSI an individual must: Not work nor earn more than $1,130/mo. in 2016. Have a physical or mental condition (or combination) that result in “marked and severe functional limitations” to activities. Be disabling for at least 12 months or have a condition that is expected to result in death. Source: Social Security Administration, “Benefits for Children With Disabilities” (2015), SA Fact Sheet 2016, Social Security 2016

9. QUALIFYING CONDITIONS The state agency may take 3-5 months to decide if student meets criteria for disability. Some conditions qualify for immediate SSI payments: HIV infection Total blindness Total deafness Cerebral palsy Down syndrome Muscular dystrophy Severe intellectual disability (age 7 or over) Birth weight below 2lbs, 10oz. Source: Social Security Administration, “Benefits for Children With Disabilities” (2015)

10. 2 PROGRAMS, 3 BENEFITS SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance SSI Supplemental Security Income SSDAC Disabled Adult Child

11. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) Eligibility: If under 18, can qualify if he or she has a physical or mental condition (or combination) that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Child’s income and resources are considered. Resources of family members living in the child’s household. Source: Social Security Administration, “Benefits for Children With Disabilities” (2015)

12. SSDI & SSDAC Benefits to adults who have a disability that began before they became 22 years old and whose parents have a work history (SSDAC) OR an individual has a work history (SSDI). Source: www.ssa.gov “Social Security: The Red Book” (2016)

13. MEDICAID When you get SSI, you also may get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Apple Health for Kids is a Washington State initiative aimed at streamlining applications for children's health care coverage. http://www.hca.wa.gov/applehealth/Pages/am_i_eligible.a spx http://www.hca.wa.gov/applehealth/Pages/am_i_eligible.a spx HOW DOES IT RELATE TO SOCIAL SECURITY? Source: Social Security Income (SSI) (Publication No. 05-11000)

14. BENEFITS PRIOR TO AGE 18 Prior to turning 18, students must determine continued eligibility: If a child of a disabled, retired, or deceased parent (with no disability), benefits will end at 18 or 19 (if still in high school). If disabled and receiving social security benefits, need to apply for benefits at age 18. Reapply at 18 when parents income will not be considered (if found eligible before because of parent income). Source: Social Security Income (SSI) (Publication No. 05-11000)

15. HOW TO APPLY www.ssa.gov 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800- 325- 0778) At any age

16. TEACHER ROLE “When you apply for SSI payments for your child based on a disability, we will ask you for detailed information about the child’s medical condition and about how it affects his or her ability to perform daily activities. We also will ask you to give permission to the doctors, teachers, therapists, and other professionals who have information about your child’s condition to send the information to us” PROVIDING INFORMATION Source: www.ssa.gov “Social Security: Benefits for Children with Disabilities” (2015)

17. WORK INCENTIVES BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

18. WHAT ARE WORK INCENTIVES? Social Security offers work incentives to encourage young people who are receiving SSA benefits. Financial incentives are provided for working, and sometimes to save money to pay for things that you need, without impacting your benefits. Source: Social Security Benefits and Work Incentive Guide

19. Student Earned Income Exclusion Must be regularly attending school Must be under age of 22 Social Security does not count up to $1,780 per month of your wages when calculating your SSI payment amount. The maximum yearly exclusion is $7,180 per year. STUDENT EARNED INCOME EXCLUSION STUDENTS MAY EXCLUDE EARNINGS FROM INCOME Source: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/jjra/ssi-student-earned-income-exclusion-wages-no-unearned-income & https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/newfor2016.htm

20. AN EXAMPLE: PASS Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS): A provision of SSI which allows income to be put aside to pay for something which will help attain job goal. Examples: paying for coaching, training or college tuition, equipment & tools, transportation, uniforms, supplies to start a business. Work with DVR counselor or benefit planner to create a plan. Source:https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm

21. WHAT IF I GO TO WORK? SSI—Cash benefit will decrease but it will be replaced by wages. In Washington State, an individual can earn up to $32,875 a year and keep their Medicaid. SSDI/SSDAC—Trial Work Period allows an individual to maintain benefits while employment. Talk to a benefits specialist to learn more! BENEFIT STATUS Source: www.dshs.wa.gov Customer Handbook: For Vocational Rehabilitation Services. P. 42.

22. HOW TO APPLY? Call the toll free number 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800- 325- 0778) and schedule an appointment with a local Social Security representative. Apply on-line at: http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ Visit your local Social Security office (make an appointment) https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp

23. SOCIAL SECURITY AND SCHOOLS PREPARING FOR TRANISITON

24. Education Independent living Employment SCHOOL PERSONNEL BENEFITS INFORMATION TO PREPARE FOR POST-SCHOOL:

25. TRANSITION Work incentives can be used to help reach employment goals and economic self-sufficiency. Sometimes, even before work starts. It is important to know about all the resources available to help student reach goals. WORK INCENTIVES Source: Social Security Benefits and Work Incentive Guide

26. TIMELINE Age 15-16 Apply for a WA State ID Card Determine graduation date Age 16 or earlier Apply to become a DDA Client-request an intake Begin transition programming –Include Student in Planning –Set Transition Goals –Outline Course of Study Seek varied job/internship experiences Include self-advocacy goals in IEP Source: DDA and Informing Families http://informingfamilies.org/ages/ages-14-21-transition-timeline/ Age 15-16 Skill building 16 or earlier Work exp.internships Age 18 Final Year HS Refer to CCTS Flow Chart

27. TIMELINE Age 18 Apply for social security benefits, if not yet receiving. Final Year of School Request long term supports from DDA Apply for employment service from DVR Source: DDA and Informing Families http://informingfamilies.org/ages/ages-14-21-transition-timeline/ Age 15-16 Skill building 16 or earlier Work exp.internships Age 18 Final Year HS

28. SOCIAL SECURITY & SCHOOLS A gateway to state services – Medicaid! People work hard to get benefits in place. Heavy reliance on benefits. May change with income. May be an excuse or barrier for individuals. Work incentive opportunities. Source: Melinda Bocci Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities

29. HOW TO HELP Be Informed (Work Incentives & Benefits) Know the Basics Look for Signs/Ask Questions/Do Check-ins Seek out Information Make Referrals Tools and Resources ROLE OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL Source: Melinda Bocci Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities

30. RESOURCES & CONTACTS

31. RESOURCES Division of Vocational Rehabilitation http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/ Social Security Administration http://www.ssa.gov/http://www.ssa.gov/ How to apply for Social Security disability benefits http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/ Social Security Work Site http://www.ssa.gov/work/http://www.ssa.gov/work/ Social Security Red Book on Employment Support http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/index.html http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/index.html VCU Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention http://www.worksupport.com/http://www.worksupport.com/ Information and documents relating to writing a PASS plan http://www.passplan.org http://www.passplan.org Work Source http://www.wa.gov/esd/employment.htmlhttp://www.wa.gov/esd/employment.html

32. RESOURCES Plan to Work is a Washington State benefit planning project. It consists of a statewide call center and a network of trained Community Work Incentive Coordinators who provide one-to-one benefits analysis and planning. Plan to Work, www.plantowork.org 866-497-9443, Ticket to work helpline 866-968-7842www.plantowork.org Disability Rights Washington www.disabilityrights.orgwww.disabilityrights.org Washington’s Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) is intended to provide comprehensive behavioral health services and supports to Medicaid eligible youth, up to 21 years of age, with complex behavioral health needs to help keep them safe in their own homes and communities. Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) The National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability provides a workbook titled, "The 411 on Disability Disclosure," designed for youth with disabilities and adults working with them to learn about disability disclosure. This workbook is aimed at helping young people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and social lives. Based on the premise that disclosure is a very personal decision, the workbook helps young people think about and practice disclosing their disability. The 411 on Disability Disclosure The 411 on Disability Disclosure

33. CONTACT INFORMATION The Center for Change in Transition Services Website: http://www.seattleu.eduhttp://www.seattleu.edu Email: ccts@seattleu.educcts@seattleu.edu Phone: 206-296-2245 eLearning for Educators Website: http://www.evergreen.edu/elearningforeducators/http://www.evergreen.edu/elearningforeducators/ Email: elearningforeducators@evergreen.eduelearningforeducators@evergreen.edu Phone: 360-867-6070

34. State Needs Projects Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) CCTS provides secondary transition training and technical support to districts, and Educational Service Districts, that serve students who have an Individual Education Program and are in need of transition services. eLearning for Educators eLearning for Educators provides statewide access to affordable online courses designed to support educators in serving students with disabilities. Special Education Support Center Provides current information and best practices through statewide training and technical assistance to families, educators, and organizations in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Special Education Technology Center (SETC) Provides training, consultation, technology loans and resource information to help school districts and families implement assistive technology (AT) interventions in addressing the special learning needs of children with disabilities. Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS) Supports individuals aged birth to 21 who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind, by providing training and other resources to service providers and families.

35. DISCLAIMER Training provided today is meant to supplement and not supplant reading bulletins and accompanying documents; guidance from the U.S. Department of Education; chapter 392-172A WAC; Part 300 of the federal regulations; and, the Individuals with Disabilities Act. This presentation and/or materials should be viewed and applied by users according to their specific needs. The presentation should be used as guidance and is not intended as legal advice.