Financial Support

At Connections in Ohio, financial stability plays a critical role in maintaining consistency, security, and quality of life for the individuals we serve. As an appointed Representative Payee, our financial support services are designed to ensure funds are managed responsibly, bills are paid on time, and essential needs are consistently met.

Our dedicated financial department works closely with individuals, families, landlords, and support teams to promote transparency, accountability, and long-term stability.

Financial Support Services Include

Representative Payee Services
Oversight and management of benefits to ensure financial resources are used appropriately and in the best interest of the individual.

Money Management & Budget Oversight
Support with budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning to maintain stability and consistency.

Bill Payment Services
Timely payment of rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.

Landlord Communication
Ongoing coordination with landlords to support housing stability and address financial-related concerns.

Annual Waiver & Benefit Eligibility Review
Monitoring and review of waiver and benefit eligibility to ensure continued access to services and funding.

Process of services

    • Eligibility for Medicaid services determined by DODD
    • Medicaid funding established
    • Medicaid funding
      • IO waiver or Level 1 waiver, moving to IO
      • Service and Supportive administrator (SSA) assigned (through local county boards). Connections provides services in both Cuyahoga and Summit County.
      • Referral for housing/supports are submitted by SSA
      • Individual Service Plan (ISP) review of individuals needs and possible fit for services or openings.
      • Tour of open homes/vacancies  
      • Site visit with individuals in the home 
      • ISP review and transition meeting

Eligibility for Services

As outlined in more detail through Ohio Administrative Code, a person must have more than a diagnosis to be eligible for services through a county board of developmental disabilities. To be eligible for services, a person must meet both of the following criteria:

1. A person must have a developmental disability that presents or “manifests” before the age of 22 and is likely to continue throughout the person’s life.

2. A person must meet eligibility criteria for Functional limitations are determined through an assessment conducted by the county board. For children ages 6-15, this assessment is called the Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument or “COEDI.” For people aged 16 and older, this assessment is called the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument, or “OEDI.”

To begin the eligibility process, contact the county board of developmental disabilities. Contact information for each county board in Ohio is available on DODD’s website.

Families with children under the age of three with concerns about their child’s development should seek eligibility for Ohio Early Intervention by visiting https:// ohioearlyintervention.org/

Support designed for complex needs. Care built on structure and expertise.

Contact Connections in Ohio to learn how our specialized behavioral support model promotes safety, dignity, and lasting personal growth.