Financial & Legal Supports and Services
As your child grows, it’s natural to start thinking about their future such as how they’ll handle money, what supports they might need, and what legal decisions come into play when they turn 18. These topics can feel big and sometimes even overwhelming, but understanding them early can bring peace of mind and help your young adult step into adulthood with confidence. The good news is, you don’t have to figure it all out at once, and you don’t have to do it alone.
On the financial side, families often explore benefits like SSI/SSDI, opening an ABLE account to save money without affecting eligibility for services, or creating a special needs trust to protect long-term stability. These tools can help young adults build independence while still keeping important supports in place. Just as important are everyday money skills like budgeting, saving, using a bank account that give young people confidence and prepare them for adult life.
Legal planning is another important piece of the transition puzzle. At age 18, young adults are legally considered their own decision-makers. Some families choose guardianship (full or limited), while others feel that options like powers of attorney or supported decision-making agreements are a better fit. There isn’t one “right” choice. Some families pursue legal supports, while others do not, depending on their child’s needs, strengths, and their family’s values.
In our community, families don’t have to make these decisions in isolation. Local advocacy groups, attorneys, financial planners, and service coordinators are available to explain options, answer questions, and provide guidance. Whether you’re just starting to think about benefits, preparing for legal decisions, or looking ahead to long-term financial planning, there are people and resources here to support your family every step of the way.
Community Connections
Determines the eligibility of people to receive benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Legal resources for anyone who is living with a disability
Scott Air Force Base Parent Advocates for Students and Schools (PASS)
Active duty military families are eligible. PASS workshops are held monthly to help family members learn how to be effective advocates for their children.
Contact: MSD.SLO@amc.af.mil
Facebook: Scott AFB Parent Advocates for Students & Schools (PASS)
An ABLE account is a tax-exempt account for individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities can own their account, while preserving benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and HUD. They are used to save and invest money to build independence and maintain, or improve their quality of life. They can save and earn money while working. It can be an alternative or an add-on to a special needs trust. There are easy investment and checking options and the individual owns the account. Individuals can have up to $100,000 in their ABLE account and SSI benefits are still preserved and there is no Medicaid asset cap. Money can be withdrawn at any time.
Phone: 312-814-2677
The Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission’s mission is to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities by providing public guardianship services, legal representation in mental health proceedings, a process to investigate disability rights violations, and a resource for special education inquiries.
Specializes in special needs and elder care planning. They serve families in Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, and Randolph counties in Illinois. They work with families of children with special needs worried about who will care for their child, and help their child have the best life possible when they no longer are able to do so. They provide cost-effective services for parents of children with special needs. They create special needs trusts, guardianships and other estate law instruments that can ensure special needs children get the care, services, and benefits they need and deserve.
60 IL-157 Edwardsville, IL 62025
618-249-1429
Her practice focuses on estate planning, estate and trust administration, real estate and guardianship.
223 East Main Street, PO Box 98 Mascoutah, IL 62258
It is a database waiting list for community waiver services. Enrollment is not a guarantee of funding for individuals. Individuals can remain on the waiting list even if they are already receiving services. PUNS is a survey and needs assessment tool that identifies and documents the current and future needs of a person with developmental disabilities. It is no longer a lottery system-individuals are selected based on when they were entered onto the PUNS. If/when an individual is selected off of the waitlist, they receive funding for services. The waiting list can take up to five years. Time on the PUNS starts when an individual turns 18 years old. You should still be enrolled in the PUNS before this time to build a relationship. It is critical to have a transition plan of other options in place to fill the gap until services are offered through this.
You can email to inquire about your student’s place on the waitlist at: dhs.ddd.puns@illinois.gov
It is a supplemental security income through a federal program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities. Contact your local SSA office (see link and phone number above). Ask for an SSI intake, then complete the application with an SSA counselor (free). Monthly SSI funds can offset the cost of living for an individual with a disability who has difficulty earning enough income to support themselves. The current maximum monthly payment for 2021 is $794 for those who qualify. Those 18 years or older with an approved disability such as an intellectual or developmental disability, among others, should apply. You will need your student’s state ID, birth certificate, recent IEP and evaluations (school and private) for the intake meeting. Your student can still get a paying job if they have SSI and they will need to report that income. The next SSI payment will be adjusted, but the overall money (SSI + income) will be greater.
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If you need to register to vote or change your address on your voter’s registration, go to the Illinois State Board of Election website (above) and click on the “Online Voter Registration” tab. To register in Illinois you must:
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Be a citizen of the United States
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Be a resident of Illinois and of your election precinct at least 30 days before the next election
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Be at least 18 years old on or before the election
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Not be in jail for a felony conviction (you can vote if you completed your sentence)
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Not claim the right to vote anywhere else
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In-person registration:
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28 days before Election Day, after which you may register during the early voting period through Election Day
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By mail registration:
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Postmarked 28 days before Election Day
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Online registration:
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16 days before Election Day
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618-825-2708