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Disability deadlines, milestones for getting government services

At several stages in the life of a person with disabilities, services available through the state or federal government end or change, leaving individuals and their caregivers to adapt.

Birth

• Children with disabilities or blindness might qualify for Supplemental Security Income from the federal government

• Illinois parents may sign up their disabled child for the PUNS list, or prioritization of urgency of need for services, to request help such as in-home support, adaptive equipment or therapy

• Services are provided to meet the most dire needs as funding becomes available

Infancy

Early intervention services are available for infants or toddlers who show disabilities or delays in movement, learning or behavior in a test given by the state Department of Human Services.

Age 2 years 6 months

Transition from early intervention services to early childhood special education begins.

Age 3

Early childhood special education through public school districts becomes available.

Age 14 years 6 months

Public schools required to start a transition plan for each disabled child for when school services end.

Age 18

• Adults with disabilities or blindness must prove they are incapable of earning roughly $1,000 a month and have less than $2,000 in their name to continue receiving Supplemental Security Income.

• Adults also may be eligible for Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Age 21 years, 364 days

Public school services stop.

Adulthood

• Help with housing, transportation, therapy, vocational programs, nursing and activities is provided through the PUNS list.

• The waiting list is 18,671 people long.

Sources: Rubin Law, Oak Wealth Advisors, Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities, Illinois State Board of Education

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