Parents of children with special needs benefit from St. Coletta’s Parent Association meeting

This week, parents of children with special needs gathered at St. Coletta's of Illinois for a helpful meeting organized by the Parents Association. St. Coletta's CEO, Heather Benedick, shared important information on how families can prepare for their child's transition from school to adult life.

She covered key topics such as guardianship, Medicaid, Social Security benefits, and the PUNS (Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services) list, and stressed the importance of planning early and understanding the available services.

Here are the main points from the meeting:

Guardianship

When a child with special needs turns 18, they legally become an adult. Parents will no longer have the right to act on their child’s behalf for things like Medicaid, Social Security, or PUNS enrollment unless they apply for guardianship.

Understanding Medicaid

Medicaid is a key part of adult services for individuals with disabilities. Even if your child has private insurance or is covered under your health plan, they should still apply for Medicaid. It won’t interfere with their existing coverage, and they can stay on your insurance until age 26 while also receiving Medicaid. To apply, you’ll need to take your child’s birth certificate and proof of their disability to the Public Aid Office in your area.

Social Security for Adults with Disabilities

Guardians should also visit a Social Security office to apply for benefits on behalf of their child when they turn 18. You’ll need to bring proof of identity and disability, and it’s important to register your child as a disabled adult to receive these benefits.

PUNS Enrollment

Benedick strongly advised parents to get their child’s name on the PUNS list as early as possible. This list is essential for future support as most adult services rely on the Medicaid waiver. Once your child’s name comes up on the list, you’ll be able to choose between home-based or residential services, with the option to change your decision later. Even if you’re not ready to make a choice, it’s important to accept any assistance offered. “Never turn it down, ever,” Benedick urged.

She shared a Guide to PUNS published by the Illinois Department of Human Services. More details can be found here or on the IDHS website at www.dhs.state.il.us.

If you have questions or need help, Heather Benedick and the team at St. Coletta's of Illinois are available for support. “Call us, we want to help you,” Benedick said. You can reach them at (708) 342-5200.