As your child begins school, whether for the first time or not, it’s important to know his educational options, especially if she has a disability such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help your child receive the special attention and opportunities he needs. So if you think your child needs an IEP, you should request one.

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You may have a strong suspicion that your little one may have autism, and as a parent, you know your child best. But since language and social development are such a major part of the condition, and toddlers tend to have limited language and social skills even if they’re neurotypical, medical professionals are sometimes unwilling to give a diagnosis if they are under two years of age. So, what do you do if your doctor won’t give your child a diagnosis for autism?

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As a parent of a child who has autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or another disability, you may be eligible to get paid as an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Protective Supervision provider. This means you could get money to pay for your familiy’s living expenses, as well as therapies and equipment that are necessary for your child with special needs to lead a fulfilling life. Many parents cannot work fulltime because they must take their children to regular doctor appointments and be present for their child in order for them to remain safely at home. IHSS provides crucial benefits for families of children with developmental disabilities.   Applying for IHSS as a Protective Supervision Provider IHSS is a California government program that provides financial support for in-home caretakers of impaired elders, persons with disabilities, and children with developmental disabilities including autism. While a variety of benefits are available, the most important for families of children with special needs is “Protective Supervision.” When you are approved for Protective Supervision, you will receive an hourly wage to stay home and care for your child as an IHSS provider. This wage is exempt from federal income taxes. Few things can make such a big difference in the lives of a family as the ability to give your special needs child the full care he or she deserves, without endangering your family finances. If your child has been diagnosed with autism or another development disability, you may be eligible for Protective Supervision. Unfortunately, applying for and receiving these benefits are notoriously difficult and many families give up after encountering road block after road block. The application process can be confusing, and you need to adequately prepare all the necessary documentation to become an IHSS provider. How Much Does IHSS Pay in California? Recent legislation created various options for counties to implement IHSS provider wage and benefit increases. Specifically, recent state minimum wage increases and budget-related legislation adopted in 2017‑18 instituted both temporary and permanent changes to how counties can increase IHSS provider wages and benefits with varying effects on state and county costs. On January 1, 2019, the minimum wage increased to $12 per hour. On January 1, 2020, the minimum wage will increase to $13 per hour. On January 1, 2021, the minimum wage will increase to $14 per hour. On January 1, 2022, the minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour. Currently, as an IHSS Protective Supervision provider, the maximum number of hours you can claim is 283 per month. That equates to $3,396 per month today. How to Get Help The IHSS application process generally involves a written application, an in-home interview with a social worker, and medical records. Once approved as an IHSS provider, there will be ongoing assessments. You can get assistance at every stage of this process whether you are a first-time applicant, or your application has been denied. First time applicants can get help to: Determine if you are eligible Create a plan with you to maximize your benefits Perform all necessary research and complete all paperwork Obtain any required medical records Assist you through the interview and all processing If you applied for IHSS benefits and were rejected, you can get help to: Review your case Check all records and research the reason for your rejection Assist you in appealing your application Represent you at hearings Every child with special needs deserves full supervised care, and no family should be turned away. If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us. American Disability Association is dedicated to the wellbeing and protection of children with disabilities and actively provides support to enhance their quality of life. Whether you are dealing with federal or state benefits or struggling with a school district to get proper education for your child, we have the resources to help you. Many individuals and families managing a disability are not aware of the wide array of services available to them, or they do not know how to apply for these benefits in a way that is likely to succeed. Contact us for help. Dial (877) 283-4807 or email us at [email protected]

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Few things can make such a big difference in the lives of a family as the ability to give your child with special needs the full care he or she deserves, without endangering your family finances. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can provide important funding for families of children with developmental disabilities. But what if you were approved for IHSS, but given the minimal amount of benefits? Can you get more IHSS hours?

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You may qualify for financial help with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if you raising a child with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another disability. IHSS is a California program provided by the government that offers financial support for people who take care of children with special needs. The most important for families of children with special needs is called IHSS “Protective Supervision.” Read more to find out how to apply for IHSS.

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If your child has a disability like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or epilepsy, and your family is struggling financially, you may be eligible to receive benefits such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). This money can be used to help raise your child and to meet her daily needs, including paying for bills and expenses associated with her disability. But many people ask: how much does IHSS pay per hour?

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If you are a single parent who has a child with special needs like autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or another disability, every month is a struggle to pay the bills. Without support from the other parent, you’re on your own to manage the care of your child and work. It’s a huge responsibility, and even though you want to do the best you can for your child, as a single parent, you face circumstances that could cause you to burn out faster than families who share the day-to-day responsibilities and demands of special needs parenting. That’s why it’s so important to learn about the financial resources available to assist you.

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If your child has a disability such as autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, he may be entitled for special education services. However, after your child has been evaluated, you might not agree with the decision, or you might have a concern regarding your child with special needs’ education and wellbeing at school. If you cannot resolve the dispute by talking through the disagreement, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides a formal way to file a complaint against the school. It is called “due process.”

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If you live in California, there are several programs that will pay you to take care of your child with a disability. That means if your child has autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another disability, he may be eligible for financial benefits.

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Does your child have autism, Down syndrome or another disability? She may be eligible for special education services. But the school system is hard to navigate without some preparation. That’s why getting ready for your first IEP (Individualized Educational Program) meeting is an important step in handling your child’s education.

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