Moving to another state is a big undertaking for any family, but it can be particularly complicated when a family member has a disability. The secrets to a successful transition are advance planning and a backup plan in case of problems. Here are a few specifics to keep in mind.

Know what to expect with public benefits

If your family member with a disability is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, there should be no disruption in payments, as long as you inform the Social Security Administration as early as possible of your change of address. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits should not be disrupted either, but the amount could change. In 2016, the federal maximum SSI benefit for an individual is $733 per month. However, some states add an optional state supplement or make food stamps or other benefits available to SSI beneficiaries, so those benefits may vary by state.

Plan in advance for health care needs

Health care is a primary concern, and in this area much can change when moving to another state. In addition to finding new doctors, therapists and other service providers, you should be prepared for changes in coverage. Private health insurance policies may have different coverage or premiums in another state. If you signed up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act state exchanges, you can take advantage of a 60-day special enrollment period, but be sure to check the eligibility requirements ahead of time. Medicare benefits should not be affected by an interstate move, but Medicaid will need to be reapproved in the new state, and the services and support available through Medicaid varies from state to state.

Special education and other services

While students with disabilities are guaranteed a free and appropriate public education by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a special needs student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will need to be renegotiated. Other services, such as day care, social programs and in-home services vary greatly from state to state. ABLE Act legislation has not yet been enacted in all 50 states, and special needs trusts should be reviewed by an attorney to ensure that they are up to date and there are no problems created by the move.

Moving to a new state is a big project, but creating a checklist and engaging in advance planning will help you have an organized approach. Even with a detailed plan, it is a good idea to have a backup plan, and an emergency fund, in case of pitfalls along the way.

Learn more about our special needs planning and special education advocacy services at www.littmankrooks.com or www.specialneedsnewyork.com.

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Posted in New York Special Needs, Special Education Advocacy, Special Needs Trusts | Comments Off on Moving to a New State When You Have a Family Member with a Disability

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to grant review in a case about the degree of educational benefit that a special education student should receive under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to satisfy the requirements of the (IDEA). “Clearly, the Supreme Court should hear this important case, as the requirement that a student receive an educational benefit goes to the heart of the IDEA,” says Marion Walsh.  Millions of children around the country certain are entitled to more than “some” educational benefit in public schools and the law should, at a minimum, require meaningful educational benefit.

On May 31, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court asked the Solicitor General to file a brief expressing the views of the United States on this question.

The plaintiffs in the case Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 note  that currently the “courts of appeal are in disarray” on the matter of what constitutes a “free, appropriate public education,” as required for students with disabilities by IDEA.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit ruled that Endrew F., a Colorado student with autism, received a free, appropriate public education from the Douglas County school district because he received “some educational benefit,” and the court thus rejected reimbursement to the parents for the cost of private school. Reasoning that the IDEA is only “designed to provide a floor” of educational quality,  the hearing officer determined that the school district had provided Drew with a FAPE.  The parents had removed their son from public school after a dispute over the education he received under his IEP in the fifth grade.

In its decision, the appeals court acknowledged that other U.S. courts of appeal have adopted the higher standard of requiring an IEP to deliver a “meaningful educational benefit.” “The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit requires this standards and it should be applied uniformly across the country. The standard is still too low,” says Walsh. In requesting review by the Supreme Court, attorneys for Endrew F. argue that the Court should make use of the case to resolve the dispute over this salient issue.

As it has done with many IDEA cases that seem to present an important question, the Supreme Court asked the U.S. Solicitor General to weigh in. The Solicitor General is under no deadline to file the requested brief, and observers say it is unlikely that a response will be filed before the court adjourns for the summer.

Learn more about our special needs planning and special education advocacy services at www.littmankrooks.com or www.specialneedsnewyork.com.

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Posted in Special Education Advocacy | Comments Off on Special Education Case Seeks Supreme Court Review
Tags: Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, IDEA, IEP, individuals with disabilities education act