Financial independence is an important part of living a meaningful and self-directed life. For individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio, having a disability does not mean giving up the right to make decisions about their money or personal finances.
Ohio law specifically recognizes an individual's right to manage their personal financial affairs based on their individual ability.
The Right to Manage Your Own Money
Individuals should be supported in managing their own funds to the greatest extent possible. Ohio's rules require providers to give individuals the opportunity to manage their personal funds and to teach and support them in doing so based on their abilities.
For someone who needs assistance, the Individual Service Plan (ISP) should identify who will provide that assistance and what type of financial support is needed, such as budgeting, paying bills, shopping, or increasing independence with money management.
Your Money Belongs to You
Personal funds belong to the individual—not the provider. Providers responsible for managing an individual's funds must safeguard and accurately account for those funds.
Importantly, Ohio rules prohibit providers from using one individual's personal funds to supplement or replace the funds of another individual or the provider, except for limited practical arrangements that are agreed upon and documented.
Individuals also cannot be required to use their personal funds to pay for items or services that are already reimbursed through Medicaid or another funding source of the provider.
Access to Your Funds
When a provider manages an individual's personal funds, the individual must have access to those funds upon request, subject to the applicable rules and their individual plan. Ohio rules require access no later than three calendar days after a request. Providers must also maintain appropriate records and provide an accounting of funds when required.
Financial Independence Is the Goal
Financial support should not automatically mean taking financial control away from an individual. The goal should be to provide the least amount of assistance necessary while helping the individual build greater independence and understanding.
Families, guardians, providers, and support teams all have an important role in protecting an individual's financial rights while helping them develop the skills and confidence to make financial choices.
At RHA, We Believe in Supporting Financial Independence
At RHA, we believe every individual deserves to have their money treated with respect, accountability, and dignity. Financial management should be about more than keeping accurate records—it should be about protecting an individual's rights, supporting their choices, and helping them become as independent as possible.
An individual's disability should never mean that their financial rights are forgotten. Every person deserves the opportunity to have a voice in how their money is managed and how it is used to support the life they want to live.
