The Finances of Raising an Autistic Child in the Military

Mom Autism Money

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!