Financial Help for a Disabled Child

No matter what the circumstance or the ailment, caring and planning for a special needs child is never an easy thing. In addition to the emotional stress that is present, the financial pressures can sometimes be enormous. Not only is there the prospect of lifetime care, there is also the likelihood of increased medical bills, and perhaps even special equipment to properly care for the child. Fortunately, there are many options for families who find themselves in this situation.

Social Security

There are two main sources of financial help available for those families that have a disabled child. However, only one of those sources is specifically related to minors who are disabled. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could provide benefits, provided the family meets certain income guidelines. Generally, those who qualify for food stamps may also qualify for this benefit for the disabled child.

Medicaid

This is one benefit that can be a great deal of help to the family of a disabled child. Often, medical treatment for such children is expensive, with many requiring specialized equipment, regular doctor's visits and prescriptions. Medicaid, which can help with such expenses, is generally available for children with special needs, even if the family itself makes too much money to qualify. However, benefits will only be for the affected individual, not the entire family.

Special Needs Trust

One of the most common mistakes individuals make is putting money for the disabled child into a bank account with the child's name. This may disqualify them from receiving benefits from the government. The trust can be used to pay for expenses associated with the special needs child, especially as they get older. Signatories can be designated as needed. Though funding the trust will come from gifts and private sources, it can still be a big benefit to families searching for answers.

Child Support

If the mother and father are separated, the parent with primary physical care should be receiving some type of child support. In most states, this support terminates for a normal child upon graduation from high school or until the child reaches the age of 18 or 19. In some states, if the child is disabled, this support could continue until the child is at least 21 and may last the child's entire life.

Effects

Though none of these support vehicles will pay for the care of a disabled child in its entirety, each one will help alleviate the family's financial burden to some level. Getting this support may take more than one try and the process could become frustrating. However, for families who persevere, the end rewards could be worth it.

References

• Social Security
• Medicaid Benefits
• Planning for a Disabled Child

Resources

• Special Needs Trust
• Social Security Home Page
• Child Support Laws by State