Acronyms & Terms Overview Part 1: Disability Benefits
Family Connectors know firsthand how tricky it can be to navigate disability benefits and services in Minnesota. Sometimes it feels like learning a whole new language, especially with all of the different words and acronyms used! To help you get started, here’s a handy list of common terms used in our community and by county and government agencies:
Acronyms & Terms | Name & Link | Description |
SSA | Federal agency that provides financial assistance through disability, retirement, and survivors’ benefits. | |
SSI | Monthly cash assistance from SSA for people 18-64, who have a disability and limited assets and resources. | |
MA | Minnesota’s Medicaid program that provides health coverage for people with low income. | |
MA-TEFRA | Medical Assistance- Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act | Provides MA benefits for children with disabilities in families with incomes too high to qualify for MA. |
MA-EPD | Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities | With MA-EPD, people can work, earn, save money and still keep their MA benefits. People must pay a premium for MA-EPD coverage. |
MNsure | Minnesota’s online health insurance marketplace. Apply for most MA programs here. | |
DHS | Minnesota Department of Human Services | State agency that works with partners (for example, counties) to provide human services to vulnerable people. |
SMRT | A group within DHS that decides if a person is disabled for state benefits programs. SMRT makes disability determinations for people not certified disabled by the Social Security Administration. |
And our most favorite acronym of all…
Acronyms & Terms | Name | Description |
FC | Support professional provided by the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota. Available to walk through all things disability related for your loved one with Down syndrome. |
Click here for a printable format of this list: Acronyms Terms Overview Part 1 Disability Benefits
We know, we know- even this list can be a lot! Please don’t take it all in on your own. Family Connectors are here to help. Reach out to us today!
Phone: 651-603-0720, Press 2
Email: connect@dsamn.org
