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Adult Services

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Service systems become more complicated as youth enter adulthood. It is important to learn how to use these systems so that the exit from high school doesn’t feel like a “drop off” in support!

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Acronym Key: MCO = Managed Care Organization | DMV = Department of Local vehicles | CAP = Community Alternatives Program | SSI = Supplemental Security Income | SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance | IDD = Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities | TBI = Traumatic Brain Injury | DHHS = Department of Health and Human Services

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Build your Action Plan by selecting relevant items below to add goals for yourself or someone you support. Click “Add to Action Plan” to save items. To remove an item, click “Remove from Action Plan.” To see your Action Plan, click on the “View My Action Plan” button to the right or near the bottom of the page.

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Browse all recommended action items, or you have the option to use these filters to narrow down items based on age and category. 

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5
1510
Acquire a state identification card at the DMV.
Who can help: Individual and/or guardian
Approximate age: 16
Resources:
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NC DMV NC DMV :
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/identification/Pages/default.aspx
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5
1520
Start a folder of your child's important documents (Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, Diagnosis paperwork).
Who can help: Family/Guardian
Approximate age: 16
Resources:
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5
1530
Register to vote and register for selective service (if male).
Who can help: Individual and/or guardian
Approximate age: 18
Resources:
How to register for Selective Service How to register for Selective Service :
https://www.sss.gov/register/
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How to register to vote How to register to vote :
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/resources/how-to-register-to-vote/
5
1540
Obtain an updated psychological evaluation and adaptive behavior assessment. Documentation of IDD or TBI is required to access adult IDD services.
Who can help: Family/Guardian, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Approximate age: Within 2 years of applying to access adult services
Resources:
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5
1610
Establish residency in NC.
Who can help: Individual and guardian/family
Approximate age: N/A
Resources:
Info to apply for Medicaid Info to apply for Medicaid :
https://www.nhcgov.com/Faq.aspx?QID=788
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5
1620
Apply for Medicaid. Consider submitting an appeal if denied.
Who can help: Individual and guardian/family, NC Department of Health and Human Services
Approximate age: As early as possible
Resources:
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NC Medicaid NC Medicaid :
https://ncgov.servicenowservices.com/sp_beneficiary?id=bnf_index
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5
1630
Contact your local managed care organization (MCO) to assess the child's eligibility for services. If eligible, ensure the child is added to the Registry of Unmet Needs (also known as the "waitlist") for the NC Medicaid Waiver.
Who can help: Individual and guardian/family, MCO
Approximate age: If eligible for the waiver, get on the registry of unmet needs as early as possible– infancy is not too young!
Resources:
NC DHHS IDD Services NC DHHS IDD Services :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/mental-health-developmental-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/intellectual-and-developmental-disabilities
LME MCO Directory LME MCO Directory :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory
NC Innovations Waiver NC Innovations Waiver :
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-and-services/behavioral-health-idd/nc-innovations-waiver
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5
1635
Contact your local MCO to ask about eligibility for home and community services. Even if an individual is still on the registry of unmet needs, they may qualify for other services.
Who can help: Individual and family, MCO
Approximate age: Contact MCO at least once a year, starting at 14 (there are oftentimes updates in policies/services available)
Resources:
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Accessing IDD Resources Accessing IDD Resources :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/20230816accessing-idd-resourcescolor/download?attachment
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5
1640
If medically fragile/physically disabled, contact your local MCO to assess the child or adult's eligibility for the Community Alternatives Program (CAP).
Who can help: Individual and guardian/family, MCO
Approximate age: As early as possible– children and adults may be eligible
Resources:
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Community Alternatives Program Community Alternatives Program :
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/providers/programs-and-services/long-term-care/community-alternatives-program-disabled-adults-capda
5
1645
Care coordinators are assigned to help MCO clients and their families. If you do not know how to contact your assigned care coordinator, contact your MCO's help line.
Who can help: Individual and guardian/family, MCO
Approximate age: As early as possible
Resources:
LME MCO Directory LME MCO Directory :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory
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5
1650
Become familiar with the difference between a Medicaid standard plan versus tailored plan, and in collaboration with your MCO, determine which option is most appropriate for your child. Most people with IDD will qualify for the tailored plan.
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, MCO
Approximate age: Once enrolled in Medicaid
Resources:
What is care management? What is care management? :
https://www.arcnc.org/what-is-care-management?fbclid=IwAR2ALin1M6-i1z3IdbWs1GY5DTYI1lrOmBF1nWduRVSYjde3HeOt8GUyEuQ
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Comparison of NC Medicaid Plans Comparison of NC Medicaid Plans :
https://www.alliancehealthplan.org/document-library/74413/
NC Medicaid Managed Care Plans NC Medicaid Managed Care Plans :
https://ncmedicaidplans.gov/en
5
1655
If your child is (a) Medicaid-eligible and (b) between the ages of 0-21, become familiar with the "Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment Medicaid Services for Children" (EPSDT) and ask your child's case manager about it.
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, MCO
Approximate age: As early as possible
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NC Medicaid health check NC Medicaid health check :
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/epsdt
5
1660
Ask your care coordinator about whether your child is eligible for 1915(i) services, which includes supported employment, respite, and community living supports. Having the waiver is NOT required to receive these services!
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, MCO
Approximate age: As early as possible
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1915(i) State Plan 1915(i) State Plan :
https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2023/06/30/nc-medicaid-obtains-approval-1915i-state-plan-amendment
1915(i) services 1915(i) services :
https://disabilityrightsnc.org/news/1915i-services/#:~:text=Attention%20all%20people%20in%20NC,i)%20services%20start%20July%201.
5
1665
If your child does not have medicaid, ask your managed care organization what services they may qualify for.
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, MCO
Approximate age: As early as possible
Resources:
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NC DHHS service definitions NC DHHS service definitions :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/provider-information/mental-health-development-disabilities-and-substance-use-services/service-definitions
5
1670
If the person is eligible for SSDI as a child (so, parent is retired, deceased, or disabled), the person will be eligible for Medicare and should learn how to navigate it. Medicare will be their primary healthcare funding, whereas Medicaid would be secondary.
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, Medicare help line
Approximate age: Circumstantial
Resources:
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SSDI & Medicare Coverage SSDI & Medicare Coverage :
https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/ssdi-and-medicare/
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5
1710
Become familiar with SSI and the application process.
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, Social Security Administration, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: 16
Resources:
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Supplemental Security Income Supplemental Security Income :
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
5
1720
Become familiar with the benefits reductions that could happen if you get legally married OR live with a long term partner, due to income/resource limits.
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, Social Security Administration, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: 16
Resources:
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Treatment of married couples in the SSI program Treatment of married couples in the SSI program :
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/issuepapers/ip2003-01.html#:~:text=In%20the%20Supplemental%20Security%20Income,not%20as%20husband%20and%20wife.
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5
1730
Find your Social Security Administration office by searching your zip code (linked in resource column).
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian
Approximate age: 17.5
Resources:
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SSA office locator SSA office locator :
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
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5
1740
Upon turning 18, SSI is based on the disabled individual's income rather than the family income. So, apply or seek out a re-evaluation. *Be aware, an individual with more than 2000 in assets will be penalized (car and home are not counted).
Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, Social Security Administration, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: 18
Resources:
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SSA office locator SSA office locator :
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
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Supplemental Security Income Supplemental Security Income :
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
5
1750
Learn about resource/asset limits and consider opening an ABLE account. Seek out benefits counseling through Service Source or Vocational Rehabilitation.
Who can help: Family/Guardian, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: For the ABLE account, have to be diagnosed with a disability before the age of 26. An ABLE account or Special Needs Trust can be opened at any age.
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What are ABLE accounts? What are ABLE accounts? :
https://www.ablenrc.org/what-is-able/what-are-able-accounts/
Cuentas ABLE Cuentas ABLE :
https://rethinkingguardianshipnc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/1731/2022/06/ABLE-Account-SPANISH.pdf
5
1760
If the parent becomes deceased, disabled, or retired, it will impact the adult child's benefits. "Disabled adult child" benefits will be triggered. Seek out benefits counseling to learn about what this will mean for your family. Additionally, notify your MCO care coordinator.
Who can help: Family/Guardian, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: When applicable
Resources:
ServiceSource Benefits Counseling Services ServiceSource Benefits Counseling Services :
https://www.servicesource.org/north-carolina-benefits-counseling-services/
NC DHHS Work incentives and benefits counseling NC DHHS Work incentives and benefits counseling :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/work-incentives-and-benefits-counseling
How to qualify for disability benefits How to qualify for disability benefits :
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
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5
1770
Learn about social security programs such as the Ticket to Work and Benefits Counseling and policies such as Work Incentives (i.e., Student Earned Income Exclusion).
Who can help: Family/Guardian, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: Age Limit to access Student Earned Income Income Exclusion is 22
Resources:
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ServiceSource Benefits Counseling Services ServiceSource Benefits Counseling Services :
https://www.servicesource.org/north-carolina-benefits-counseling-services/
NC DHHS Work incentives and benefits counseling NC DHHS Work incentives and benefits counseling :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/work-incentives-and-benefits-counseling
5
1780
If receiving multiple benefits from multiple funding streams (i.e., Medicaid AND SSI, SSI and Section 8), seek out benefits counseling and counseling from your SSI case manager to learn how these interact with each other and prevent losing your benefits.
Who can help: Family/Guardian, Benefits Counseling Services
Approximate age: When applicable
Resources:
ServiceSource Benefits Counseling Services ServiceSource Benefits Counseling Services :
https://www.servicesource.org/north-carolina-benefits-counseling-services/
NC DHHS Work incentives and benefits counseling NC DHHS Work incentives and benefits counseling :
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/vocational-rehabilitation-services/work-incentives-and-benefits-counseling
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