Transition planning that targets supported employment as an outcome needs to consider ways to fund these services

Paying for Supported Employment Services

Post school services such as supported employment are not entitlements. As a result, any transition planning that targets supported employment as an outcome needs to consider ways to fund these services. SE services can cost upwards of $75 per hour. Traditionally, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) have been key players in funding supported employment services. (see above) Although still important, more and more attention needs to be paid to coordinating alternative employment resources such as Social Security Work Incentives. Private pay for service is also emerging as a viable funding option.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR or VR) is a state and federally sponsored program whose missions is to assist people with disabilities to prepare for, get, and keep PAID employment. DVR can provide or fund a number of services including guidance and counseling, vocational assessment, job preparation, and job placement. It can also play a critical role in funding supported employment services, including paying for the services of a supported employment vendor. When supported employment is part of a client’s plan, DVR will typically pay for costs associated with initial placement and training before closing a case. It will not pay for long term support on the job. Before agreeing to be a funding partner for a person with long term support needs, DVR often needs to have assurances that there will be funding for on-going or follow along support to help ensure the success of the placement. DVR web site www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr/Individuals/Individuals.aspx

Division of Developmental Disabilities.

DDD is another state agency that can play a vital role in funding supported employment services. Depending upon the funding realities of the times, DDD has typically been able to pay for the long term support, i.e., the on-going support needed by the supported employee or employer to maintain and enhance his/her job. However, as was stated earlier, there are no guarantees that DDD will have the resources to continue this funding role in the future.

DDD also offers case management services and can help coordinate resources such as Medicaid Personal Care. Students and their families are encouraged to apply for DDD services as early as needed, but no later than age 18. DDD funded services do not typically kick in until a student has left school and has turned 21 years old. is in Region 4. Questions regarding eligibility and other services can be answered at the following web site www1.dshs.wa.gov/ddd/index.shtml .

Social Security Work Incentives.

As funding realities change, Social Security Work Incentives are playing a larger role in paying for supported employment services. King County Division of Developmental Disabilities is now providing employment resource coordination. KCDDD staff can help explain Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the impact of employment on SSI, and related benefits such as medical coverage through Medicaid. More importantly, they can also assist families in figuring out how to use work incentives (PASS Plans and IRWEs) to help pay for ongoing support needed by a supported employee. For more information, check out the KCDDD web site and follow the links to “benefits planning.”

www.kingcounty.gov/healthServices/DDD/services/emp...

Private Pay

Supported employment vendors and individual providers have traditionally been funded through DVR and DDD (through counties). Recently, these vendors have become more nimble in working with Social Security Work Incentives and private pay.

Supported employment services can be expensive. Consequently, it is important to exhaust all public funding avenues before entering into private pay arrangements for supported employment services. Supported employment clients have used their own wages and resources to pay for long term support (especially effective when combined with SSWIs). Others have tapped into family resources including parents and grandparents.

Before entering into an arrangement for private pay, it is important to have a clear understanding of the needs of a prospective supported employee. It is also important to research organizations or individuals providing SE services, seeking references whenever possible. Although it is difficult to chart exact timelines and guarantee outcomes, make sure to have a clearly articulated plan of services, as well as an estimation of hours of service and costs.

Life Opportunities Trust.

The Developmental Disabilities Life Opportunities Trust (also known as the DD Endowment Trust Fund or DDLOT) was established by the legislature in 1999 and allows individuals with developmental disabilities or their families to set aside funds for future use without affecting their eligibility for government services and benefits (such as SSI). Funds can be withdrawn from the trust and used for many services not covered by other benefits, including recreation, therapy, clothing and transportationwww.ddlot.org/

The Arc of Washington State has been selected as Trust Manager for the fund and provides information, enrollment assistance and the administration of individual trust accounts.www.arcwa.org/getsupport/life_opportunities_trust

Some related considerations.

The cost of supported employment services can easily remind one of the costs of college. An argument can be made that supported employment is the functional equivalent of attending college for a person with a developmental disability. Knowing that the realties for public funding of adult services are not predictable or guaranteed, it is strongly suggested that families consider saving for transition and adult services as soon as financially possible. Imagine the resources that could be generated by putting aside a set amount each month beginning at ages of 3, 6, 9, or even 18. Funds from this account could be used to pay for a variety of services including supported employment. They could also be used as a down payment on a condo, adaptations to a van or car…………or even a trip to !

On a related front, it is important to make sure that students apply for SSI benefits as soon as they turn 18 (earlier based upon family financial need). It is helpful to not have a history of paid employment prior to application. As part of the application process, families will be asked if they are planning to charge for rent or living expenses including room, board, and utilities. If families do not charge, the student will not receive a full SSI amount. Not charging is viewed as a contribution of family resources and the student’s SSI check will be reduced accordingly. Make sure you charge!!

If it is financially possible, consider saving some or all of those monthly payments for living expenses in an account that is dedicated to the long term support of a son or daughter, i.e., in a transition or adult service “slush fund.” It is important to note that this account can not be held in the student’s name because it would be considered an asset. The asset limit for SSI eligibility is $2,000. If a family started charging rent of $400/month beginning at 18, there could be close to $15,000 in that account within three years ($400 x 12 months x 3 years). If public funding of supported employment is limited or non-existent in the future, that money could go a long way toward purchasing those services when s/he leaves school. As with any important financial planning decisions, families are encouraged to meet with financial planners, as well as tax and legal advisors who understand the ins and outs of disability law.