Some children with disabilities can receive support through government programs that make services more affordable. Each program has its own rules about who is eligible and what is covered.

Medical Assistance and TEFRA

 Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for low-income families and people with disabilities. TEFRA is the name of the program for children with disabilities whose family’s incomes are too high for regular Medical Assistance.

After you apply for TEFRA, a State Medical Review Team (SMRT) will conduct a review to find out if your child qualifies. This process looks at how your child’s disability affects their daily activities at home, school, and in the community.

You can apply for Medical Assistance and TEFRA through the MNsure website or by sending a form to your county.

Waivers

Waivers help children with a disability or complex medical condition live in their home rather than a hospital or facility. They can help fund services and supports that keep children healthy and safe.

The four kinds of waivers are:

• Developmental Disability Waiver (DD Waiver)
• Brain Injury Waiver (BI Waiver)
• Community Alternative Care Waiver (CAC Waiver)
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver (CADI Waiver)

Waivers are managed by the county. Each county chooses how to spend its waiver funds. You can contact your county to find out what the application process is like where you live.

Supplemental Social Security Income (SSI)

Social Security is not just for older people. Some families who have children with disabilities can also receive monthly payments to help meet their basic needs. To receive SSI for your child, your family must have a low income.

You can apply for SSI for your child on the Social Security Administration website or by phone at 1 (800) 772-1213.