Financial Help for Families With Chronically Ill Children

Insurance may not cover all of a chronically ill child's medical bills.

Chronically ill children require constant care. Even if parents have a good insurance program, expenses quickly mount up, and the family may not have the means to pay all of the bills. Fortunately, there is financial help available for families with chronically ill children.

SSI

Parents can get both medical and financial help from SSI (Supplemental Security Income). To qualify, parents must meet certain income requirements. You must submit letters from physicians along with the SSI application, which can be obtained from your local Social Security office. If you qualify, your chronically ill children will receive comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly cash stipend.

Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program

Many states have a Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program. This program reimburses parents for medical expenses not covered by insurance. The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund also covers transportation to medical appointments, medical equipment and even modifications that need to be made to the home to make it safe for the chronically ill children. You do not need to be low-income to qualify, but the expenses you seek reimbursement for must exceed 10 percent of your family's income. Contact your local Department of Human Services to apply.

Division of Developmental Disabilities

If your chronically ill child has any type of developmental disability, your family can qualify for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities, or DDD. There is no income requirement to qualify for help from DDD. Medical documents proving a developmental disability must accompany an application. Once the application is approved, you can apply for financial grants to help with medical expenses. Grants are available through DDD for medical equipment and home modifications that are denied by insurance.

Fundraising

When one parent quits work to stay home and care for a chronically ill child, household bills can become difficult to pay in addition to the medical bills. The programs available won't cover household expenses, so families may need to result to raising the funds they need. The immediate family may want to appoint another family member or friend to head up a fundraising campaign. Families can sell raffle tickets, hold a car wash or organize a bake sale. They can also get permission to place coffee cans in restaurants and shops to collect donations. Combining a few different fundraisers can help meet the financial needs of the family.

References

• Fox News: Raising Money for a Sick Child
• State of New Jersey: Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Program
• State of New Jersey: Department of Developmental Disabilities
• For Parents of Sick and Worn-Out Children: Disability Basics for Sick and Worn-out Children

Resources

• State of New Jersey: Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission Home