Know your rights

When your family is referred to EI or is already getting EI services, you have legal rights that protect your interests.

  • These rights are specified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

  • The MA DPH is responsible for upholding them.

You will get a document that explains your rights and what to do if you have a complaint. It's called the Notice of Family Rights and Procedural Safeguards. Click the link at the bottom of the page to download it.

These safeguards describe the rules about things like:

  • timelines and procedures as you go through the process

  • making sure that EI told you about next steps, and that you gave permission

  • privacy of your medical and other records

  • giving consent for your insurance to pay (if you don't have any, DPH will pay!)

  • filing complaints

Sources: MA DPH