Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Independent Living Benefits:Most former foster youth are eligible for financialassistance after they turn 18. In addition to theRoad to Independence Program (described onpage 27), there are aftercare and emergency fundsavailable. Talk to your Case Worker and IndependentLiving Coordinator about how to obtain those funds.SSI & Medicaid Waivers:If you are eligible to receive SSI as an adult, it isexpected that you will use the SSI funds to pay foryour living expenses. Adults who are on a Medicaidwaiver may have some of their living expenses paidby the waiver. Talk to your support coordinator aboutwhat will happen when you turn 18.Supported Housing:If you are not ready to live on your own, and don’thave a friend or family to help you, you may want toobtain “Supported Housing.” That means that peoplewill help make sure that things are ok at your homeand that you have the things you need. You will stillbe responsible for taking care of your home. Thereare many different organizations that providesupported housing. In some communities there aresupported housing programs for former foster youth.But even if that is not available, most communitieshave supported housing for adults with disabilities.Some resources include:• The Division of Blind Services• Centers for Independent Living• Florida Supportive Housing Coalition:http://www.flshc.net/• APD for persons with developmental disabilities,http://apd.myflorida.com/customers/living/Getting Your Own PlaceBeing on your own is exciting andchallenging. It’s also a lot of hard work. Asyou plan, ask yourself if you’re truly readyto shop, cook, clean and deal with repairs,bills, laundry and landlords. If the answeris no, talk to your caseworker about theindependent living skills you need to learn.If the Answer is Yes, it’s Timeto Develop a Plan:• Who will help you in an emergency?• Will your apartment need accommodations?• Who will handle your Social Security andhealth benefits?• Can you really afford to live on your own?• Do you need to open a checking account?• Do you know how to cook, clean, do laundry,pay bills?• How will you get to work, school, the bank,the grocery store?• Which family members and friendswill be part of your support system?• How will you keep in touch with your familyand friends?Remember:Being on your own gets everyone down attimes.Having a network of people you love andtrust will smooth your path.Where Will I Live?How Will I Pay For It?There are manygovernmentprogramsthat may beable help you withliving expenses.Be sure to learnabout what helpyou can expect asan adult before youturn 18, and askDCF or your CBCfor assistance toapply for allservicesand programsyou might beeligible for.23