In this essential episode of the PLAN|NJ podcast, Executive Director Ellen Nalven and Associate Executive Director Jason Miller explore how public benefits support individuals with significant disabilities.
Joined by special guests Crystal West Edwards, Esq., and Carla Ponn, a parent and PLAN|NJ Secretary, this robust conversation covers the real-life challenges and strategies families face when navigating support systems like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Carla shares her personal story of her son David’s journey from early intervention to group home placement, offering candid insights into the emotional and logistical hurdles of caregiving. Crystal complements this with expert advice, untangling the red tape around guardianship, benefits eligibility, tier classifications, and accessing support. This episode is a roadmap for planning, advocacy, and action with real-life experiences, expert guidance, and actionable tips, which is intended to empower families to plan with a person-centered approach, advocate effectively, and secure lifelong supports for their loved one.
Key Takeaways
Start Early: Begin benefit applications (e.g., SSI, Medicaid) at age 18 to ensure services by 21.
Guardianship May Be Critical: Parents lose legal authority once a child turns 18—plan ahead.
Plan for the Worst Day: When completing the NJCAT, base responses on an individual’s biggest challenges and challenging behaviors to ensure their proper tier classification.
Medicaid vs. Medicare: Medicaid covers long-term services, such as group homes and daily living support, which are often not covered by private insurance or Medicare.
Reassess if Needed: Tier classifications and service budgets can be reassessed if they don’t reflect actual needs.
Advocacy Is Everything: Whether it’s coordinating care or managing benefits, persistence and support are key.
Listen to the episode now and explore our resources for families and caregivers.
Join us for this and future episodes which aim to advance advocacy for meaningful change in the world of disability support. Please share with friends, loved ones and colleagues! We are on a mission to educate and empower, and your engagement can make a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
PODCAST EPISODES
Together we PLAN – Toward Better Mental Health Supports and Services
In Episode Seven of PLAN|NJ’s podcast series, host Ellen Nalven and co-host Jason Miller engage with Joyce Benz and Michael to discuss essential...
Together We Plan Episode Six: One Mother’s Journey: Securing Residential Services for a Daughter with Autism
Episode Six: One Mother’s Journey: Securing Residential Services for a Daughter with Autism In this recent podcast episode, Maria Fischer, an attorney...
Together We Plan Episode Five: The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities
Episode Five: The Challenge to Change: Learning from Lived Experiences with Disabilities In this powerful episode of "Together We PLAN," disability...
Together We Plan Episode Four: Unlocking Supportive Housing: Navigating Resources and Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities
Episode Four: Unlocking Supportive Housing: Navigating Resources and Solutions for Individuals with Disabilities With special guests Diane Riley,...
Together We PLAN – Episode Three. Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making
Episode Three: Beyond Guardianship: Exploring Supported Decision Making With special guests Nina Weiss, Esq., Joseph B. Young, Esq. and Elizabeth G....
Together We PLAN – Episode Two. Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families
Episode Two – Navigating Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts: A Guide for Families With special guests Shirley...
CIRCLE OF SUPPORT
our story
"A Talk With Families"
The stories of three families with loved ones who have disabilities and who use PLAN|NJ's trust administration and care coordination services are told through interviews conducted in their homes by Executive Director Ellen Nalven.
GET IN TOUCH
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey PLAN|NJ
PO Box 547
Somerville, NJ 08876-0547
908-575-8300 (Phone)
908-927-9010 (Fax)
info@plannj.org
PROUD MEMBERS OF:
Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities
Association of People Supporting Employment First
Alliance for Pooled Trusts
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Guardianship Association
National PLAN Alliance
Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
SOMETHING MISSING? LET US KNOW.
We work hard to provide relevant and current information. If you feel something is missing or needs to be corrected, please contact us via our contact form HERE.
PLAN|NJ = Lifetime Advocacy for People with Disabilities
OUR MISSION
PLAN|NJ’s mission is to help family members of people with disabilities answer the question:
“Who will care for my loved one when I'm gone?”
We coordinate the supports needed by individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities, and challenges with mental health, including people with autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, severe mental illness and more.
Spanish Translation
Si usted habla español y quisiera mas información sobre nuestros servicios o si desea una consulta con PLAN\NJ, por favor comuníquese con
Nancy Dilliplane, Director of Trust Services, para asistencia bilingüe: 908-575-8300, extensión 15
nancy.dilliplane@plannj.org
