Financial Concerns

You may have financial concerns with raising a child with special needs. The good news is there are a number of programs at both the federal and state level to support families with financial assistance. A few are highlighted here.

Federal Support

The Social Security Administration offers a program called Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which provides monthly payments to help meet the needs of children with a physical or mental disability or who are blind, and who have limited resources.1 The list of qualifying childhood disabilities can be found at: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm. 

Medicaid is available for lower-income Americans to assist with healthcare needs. There are also Medicaid programs to assist with the unique expenses of children with special needs and medical conditions that are not dependent on parental income. Refer to your state’s Medicaid program for particular details.

Parents may also set up ABLE accounts, which are tax-advantaged accounts used to pay for expenses related to a disability. Family and friends may also contribute to an ABLE account. Information on ABLE accounts can be found at https://www.ablenrc.org/. 

In addition to financial concerns, you may be worried about access to education and employment. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. It guarantees they have the same opportunities to participate in the mainstream of American life including access to education, employment, and public places.2 Federal law requires all public schools to make free and appropriate education available to all eligible children with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the needs of the child.3 For a more comprehensive perspective on federal support, visit Disability.gov.

Sources:

  1. https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/listing-impairments.htm
  2. https://www.ada.gov/ada_intro.htm
  3. https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm

State Support

States also offer a variety of services to assist families with special needs. Exact services vary from state to state but typically include early childhood intervention, healthcare, education, family support, and more. 

  • Early childhood intervention may include services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy offered in the first few years of a child’s life.
  • Healthcare may include assistance with specific conditions in addition to typical insurance coverage.
  • Education programs assists parents with a free public education that meets the needs of children.
  • Family support typically includes helping parents connect with other parents, respite care, and legal assistance.

Many services are free. Visit your own state’s websites to learn specifics. An Internet search for “(State name) support for families with special needs children” typically will direct you to valuable resources.

Medical Insurance

You may have concerns about covering healthcare expenses for a child with a prenatally diagnosed condition. Federal law requires insurance companies to cover all dependents to the age of 26. In addition, many states and employers provide coverage for disabled dependent adult children over the age of 26. A 2020 survey of employers found that most offered this coverage.1 Your insurance Evidence of Coverage, or Certificate of Coverage includes such details, or you can contact your insurance company directly.

 Medicaid is available for lower-income Americans to assist with healthcare needs. There are also Medicaid programs to assist with the unique expenses of children with special needs and medical conditions that are not dependent on parental income. Refer to your state’s Medicaid program for particular details.

Source:

  1. https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/age-26-insurance-mandate-and-disabled-adult-dependents