Individuals who need monetary support may qualify for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) or SSDI funding. These funds are need-based programs for individuals who have a disability preventing them from working and earning a sufficient wage. This income can be used for living expenses and other supports. There may be some concern working will reduce this income. However, there are ways to balance this concern and find the best option for each individual through financial counseling.

The benefits of working will often outweigh the monetary resources, but this remains a concern to many families and individuals. Financial planning can be extensive and overwhelming for families. Personal assets, income, and property values for individuals, couples, and families who plan to stay living together can be evaluated in counseling and the best options can be determined during this process. In most cases, individuals who qualify for SSI will also qualify for Medicaid to pay for medical expenses. The goal of living a financially independent life should be available to all individuals. Agency counseling and financial information is available in your community. Living on your own or as an adult student living with a family will have different parameters for income and SSI/SSDI benefits. Your families Tri-Counties Regional Center case manager may be able to refer you and your family towards no/low-cost financial counseling in your community. Other areas of counseling include building a trust, creating a will, and other long-term financial plans. The long-term benefits of working will be more beneficial for students than becoming dependent on financial support, however, every case is different. Aging families and support systems are also a valuable reason to look into long-term planning.

Another area of transition that requires legal assistance is guardianship. Students even while still in the school system receive their rights as adults when they turn 18. A guardianship/conservatorship is a legal process by which a court appoints the rights of an individual to another. Parents and caretakers may hear this topic discussed in IEPS or referred to with increasing frequency as students become the age of majority. “Advocates, parents, and adults with disabilities question the use of guardianship—especially as a legal model of first resort. Many believe that to recognize and respect the right of people with disabilities to be self-determined in their own lives, alternatives to guardianship need to be better developed and used.” Careful concern should be taken to find the best solution for each individual and use person-centered planning to reduce the need to transfer rights. Your student’s case manager can discuss this and local options for further legal counseling.