Section 117.320  Services and funding provisions

a)         The family shall use the monthly stipened to assist in meeting the expenses associated with the child's presence in the family home.  The child's parent shall be responsible for determining the stipend's use.  Examples of such uses of the stipend include:

1)         Respite care;

2)         Purchase of special equipment and supplies needed by the child;

3)         Individual or family counseling;

4)         Training for a parent or sibling;

5)         Home remodeling to meet the needs of the child; or

6)         A special car or a lift for a van to transport the eligible child.

b)         Annually, the parent shall submit to the Department a signed, written statement verifying that the stipend was used to meet the special needs of the family.

c)         The stipend shall be considered a benefit to the child and shall be paid monthly to the eligible child's parent.  The amount shall be equal to the amount of the monthly SSI payment for an individual residing alone.

d)         If the child is living outside the home, the family may apply for a single, one-time advance payment not to exceed twice the monthly stipend to prepare family members and/or the family home to meet the special needs of the eligible child.  The monthly payment as described in subsection (c) of this Section shall begin during the month of the child's return home.