The Finances of Raising an Autistic Child in the Military

Today we talk military life, finances and Autism with Rich Davis. Rich retired after a 28-year career in the US Navy as a helicopter pilot. He and his family reside in Roanoke, Virginia where he volunteers with his church, as the education coordinator for a local museum, and where he is involved with the local art scene as a photographer. He has an adult son with autism who lives with he and his wife and works in the community.

We'll discuss a whole range of topics, including: 

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Tricare access at all stages of life. Why the Incapacitated Designation could leave you interacting with Medicaid instead. How constant moves and waiver waitlists can sometimes keep military families perpetually paying for services out-of-pocket. How Rich’s son and his family use his ABLE account. How they’re using supplemental needs trusts. A life lesson in why it is so important to educate your extended family members on asset tests and best asset sheltering practices. 2015 changes to Survivor Benefit Plans (SBPs) that allow you to pass on the benefit without impacting SSI. How you might end up knowing more about disability in the military than the military ‘experts you end up interfacing with.

 

Arianne’s friend’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/eliahna-Torres

 

Check out Rich’s photography: https://www.photographybyrichdavis.com/

 

Doug Nordman’s books: https://amzn.to/3NSIzhc *

 

Kate Horrell, the Military Finance Coach: https://www.katehorrell.com/

 

Supplemental Needs Trust Episode:  https://momautismmoney.com/special-needs-trusts/

 

ABLE Account Episode: https://momautismmoney.com/able-accounts/

 

Episode with Medicaid Researchers: https://momautismmoney.com/autism-medicaid/

 

How to Apply for SSI Episode: https://momautismmoney.com/successfully-apply-ssi-ssdi/

 

Like Mom Autism Money on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomAutismMoney

 

Full Episode Transcript: https://momautismmoney.com/military-autistic-child

 

*Affiliate link. Thank you for supporting the podcast!