Community Resources for Families with Special Needs: Financial support
Sometimes supporting a loved one with special needs requires additional resources, here are some that might be helpful:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers payments to low-income seniors and the disabled to help with food, shelter, and clothing costs, and has a 2026 maximum federal rate of $994/month.
Any resident of Oklahoma who developed a qualifying disability before the age of 46 is eligible for a STABLE account through Oklahoma STABLE. If someone cannot open an account themselves, an Authorized Legal Representative (also known as an ALR) can do it for them. A STABLE account is intended to help Oklahomans save for qualified expenses, invest for future needs, and keep means tested benefits. Account holders can save and invest up to $20,000 a year (and, if employed, up to $15,650 more) for a wide range of qualified expenses. The account’s growth is tax-free and contributions may qualify for a state income tax deduction.
Best of all, the individual’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will not be affected as long as the account balance stays below $100,000. Other federally means-tested benefits are not affected regardless of the amount saved in the account.
Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) serves persons ages 3 and up who have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disabilities. Persons served may also have other developmental disabilities in addition to intellectual disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, etc.
In Home Support Waiver Services can include a comprehensive array of services including residential and employment staff and professional staff such as a nurse, speech pathologist, psychologist, and physical therapist. residential, employment and habilitation services and supports for individuals 3 years of age or older. The Community Waiver provides services appropriate to the individual's needs. Using a person-centered planning approach, the individual's team assesses the needs of the individual and develops an annual plan of care to address those needs.
Oklahoma ABLE Tech’s mission is to improve the lives of all Oklahomans by providing assistive technology (AT) devices and services, financing opportunities, digital accessibility services, advocacy, and education.
