​Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA): Some children with disabilities can be covered under Arkansas Medicaid. Therapy services and some adaptive equipment are covered with TEFRA. To qualify, a child must meet the following criteria: a) be younger than 19, b) be disabled according to the Supplemental Security Income definition of disability, c) the condition must meet medical-necessity requirements, d) cannot have countable resources that exceed $2,000, e) cannot have income that exceeds the long term care Medicaid limit. Parental income and resources are not considered...only the income of the child. Parents whose annual income exceeds $25,000 will be required to pay a monthly premium to participate in the program. Call (870)423-3351. Learn more.



Early Intervention (EI): A funding program through the State of Arkansas to assist any child under the age of three that qualifies for therapy. The paperwork must be signed before the initial therapy evaluation for the evaluation to be covered. Call Artie Herndon at (479)409-9576 and request an evaluation at POST.



Department of Developmental Services Waiver (DDS Waiver): This program provides a respite to parents with disabled children. Medicaid home and community-based waiver services are available to a limited number of individuals as an alternative to ICF/MR placement. With waiver, clients can receive services such as a) case management, b) waiver coordination, c) supported living services, d) non-medical transportation, e) environmental modifications, f) adaptive equipment, g) consultation services, h) supplemental support services, i) crisis intervention services through DDS licensed community providers Call Carol Cromer at (501)683-0569. Learn more.



Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI): This program provides disability benefits to children who are under 18 years old and disabled. There is an income requirement to be eligible for SSI. For a family of 4: if the income is $55,000 or less and you have a disabled child, you should apply for SSI. SSI covers all therapy services. Call Benton County DHS at (479)273-9011 or Washington County DHS at (479)521-1270. Learn more.



Medicaid AR Kids A and B: This program offers low-income families a comprehensive package of benefits. For a family of 4: if the parents' income is $31,000 or less, you should apply for AR Kids A. For a family of 4: if the parents' income is $45,000 or less, you should apply for AR Kids B. AR Kids B only covers speech therapy. Occupational and physical therapy is NOT covered by AR Kids B. Learn more.

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Guide to Social Security Benefits:  Social security benefits can be a complicated subject for many of us. Knowing who qualifies, how to maximize your chance of getting approved, and how payments are calculated is crucial information to know. Marasco Nesselbush Law Offices made an ultimate guide to navigating social security disability benefits. Learn more.