Heads Up for Vets: A collaboration between AKF and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Epilepsy Centers of Excellence

Many of our brave servicemen and women are returning home from active duty with a new war to wage: a battle to control seizures and epilepsy. They were there for us…now it’s time for us to be there for them. Returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have been exposed to blasts from IEDs (improvised explosive devices), land mines, rocket-propelled grenades and suicide bombers. Blast exposure has left too many of these troops suffering with Traumatic […]

Tax Breaks for Families with Special Needs

If you are filing taxes on behalf of yourself or a family member with special needs, you may be eligible for certain tax breaks. Tax-filing tips Here are some tips for military families with members who have special needs: Claim all eligible dependents — If you have a family member who is permanently and totally disabled, you may be able to claim him or her as a dependent regardless of age. Read IRS Publication 501. […]

Keep Your Relationship Strong: 8 Tips for Military Parents Raising Children With Special Needs

Research shows raising a child with special needs can test a marriage. As a military family you have a strong foundation to work from, but the ability to depend on one another and teamwork are key. With determination, communication and the tips below, you can keep your relationship strong and your family thriving. Both you and your partner need to acknowledge and understand your child’s diagnosis from a doctor you both trust. You’ll never be […]

Benefits for Military Families with Special Needs

There are federal and state programs committed to providing additional assistance for families with special needs. As a military family, you also can count on the support of the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, and Military OneSource special needs specialty consultants. Supplemental Security Income Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a federal program that helps to covers the basic needs for people with disabilities who have little or no income. SSI provides cash payments […]

Relocation (“PCS”) for Military Families with Children of Special Needs

Relocation affects many aspects of life for military families including housing, nonmilitary spouse employment, schools and activities for children, childcare, and services for children with special needs. Definitions: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) refers to a service member’s assignment to a new duty station in a new location for a period of no less than six months. A PCS may often last one to three years. Temporary Duty assignments last six months or fewer (TD […]