Links for Military Families

Autism Care Demonstration – The TRICARE Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration (Autism Care Demo) covers applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for all eligible TRICARE beneficiaries diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Psychological services and many other services are covered by TRICARE for beneficiaries with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) – The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a civilian agency of the United States Department of Defense that manages schools for military-connected children in the United States and overseas at American military bases worldwide. DoDEA operates 164 schools in 8 districts located in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) – ECHO may help some military families who have a family member with special needs. ECHO focuses on integrated sets of services and supplies beyond those available through TRICARE programs. Services are intended to reduce the disabling effects of a beneficiary’s condition. ECHO is only available as a supplement to TRICARE programs. If services or supplies are available through a beneficiary’s TRICARE plan, they won’t be covered under ECHO.  

Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission – The Compact addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. Children of active duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders, commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Unites States Public Health Service, and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one year are eligible for assistance under the Compact.

Military OneSource – Military OneSource is a Department of Defense funded program that operates as both a call center and website, providing resources to the entire military community anywhere in the world at no cost.

The Respite Care Question for Military Children – The parents sitting in front of you are desperate for respite care. You’re very knowledgeable about respite care options in their community, but you’re not certain those will work out for this family – they’re a military family and might encounter difficulties. You’ve also heard there are military programs that might help this family, but neither you nor the parents know what they are or how to sign up for them. 

TRICARE  – TRICARE is the health care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. Most TRICARE health plans meet the requirements for minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. TRICARE offers supplemental programs tailored specifically to beneficiary health concerns or conditions. Some have specific eligibility requirements based on beneficiary category, plan or status. Some are limited to a certain number of participants or a certain geographic location.

Secondary Dependency – There are times when your dependents may include more than your spouse and children.
These added dependents can increase your financial responsibilities. If you’re responsible for the financial support of other family members, you may be eligible to add them as your secondary dependents.

 

Links for Parent & Family

Lines For Life  (503-575-3764)  offers a Racial Equity Support Line with support offered by BIPOC professionals for individuals who are seeking support in response to experiences of racism, microaggressions, and issues related to immigration or cross-cultural conflict. Monday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time.

Arc of Washington – A statewide website with county support, resources and information focused on intellectual and developmental disability.  Look here to find your local Parent to Parent (P2P) support!

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) – Where to apply for respite, in home care and other state services when there is a qualifying disability

Department of Children Youth and Families  – Where to apply for early intervention services for children in Washington State, ages  Birth-3, when there is a suspected delay. DCYF also manages  child welfare for abuse and neglect and support for fostering and adoption.

Disability Rights Washington – Legal assistance, advocacy, support and resources from the disability  community in Washington

Informing Families DDC – Statewide resources are organized by age across the lifespan and include articles and video material to address specific support needs. Material is translated into multiple languages.

Seattle Children’s Mental Health Referrals – Parents who are struggling to access mental health services anywhere in Washington State can reach out to a referral helpline administered by Seattle Children’s Hospital: 833-303-5437. Please note that your call will be answered electronically, and you will be directed to provide your contact information. You may need to wait a couple of weeks before your call is returned.

Social Security Administration -This link will get you to a starter kit to apply for Social Security Supplemental Income (SSI) for a Child.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications as well as other therapeutic devices at no charge to the families. They service children up to age 21.  They must have been denied by Medicaid or insurance.  In some instances, they may be able to pay deductibles or pay to add an accessory that insurance has denied such as an elevation element to a child’s chair.  Don’t hesitate to call! They have several programs that may benefit children with disabilities.