Disability Assistance
While raising a child is a beautiful journey, it can also be overwhelming at times, especially when you’re navigating the extra legal and financial hurdles that come with supporting a child with a disability or developmental delay.
Thankfully, there is help available. Let’s explore some of the disability assistance programs that can help your child thrive through legal and financial support when you need it most.
There are financial assistance programs designed to make the early intervention and medical services your child needs more accessible. We’re sharing a few of the main financial resources available to families like yours, so you can take the next step with confidence.
Early Intervention Program Coverage
Early intervention services (like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or developmental support) are provided at low or no cost through federal and state-funded programs. Services may include evaluations, home visits, therapy, and family training.
Medicaid & CHIP
Your child may qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) based on their medical needs. These services are often income-based and can help cover therapy, prescriptions, medical equipment, and more. Even if you don’t think you’re qualified, it’s still worth applying.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides monthly ongoing financial assistance specifically to families of children with disabilities. Eligibility is based on your child’s disability and your family’s financial situation. SSI can help you cover the cost of basic needs such as clothing, food, and medical expenses. You can apply through the Social Security Administration website.
Housing Assistance
There are resources available to help you cover the cost of housing, including low-interest and no-down-payment loan options and the Housing Choice Voucher program, also called Section 8, for low-income families and individuals with disabilities.
Food & Nutrition
Good nutrition is important for both you and your little one. If affording necessities is a challenge, food banks and programs like WIC can help. WIC supports women, infants, and children from pregnancy to age 5.
Childcare Assistance
There’s nothing more important than making sure your child is in good hands. Financial assistance, vouchers, certificates, and subsidies are available to help with child care needs.
There are laws in place to protect your child and your family, from birth through early childhood. Let’s break down some of the most important legal protections, like the ADA and IDEA, and legal resources so you know best how to advocate.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The IDEA Act ensures children with disabilities receive the services and support they need to thrive.
Part C (Birth to 3) focuses on early intervention at home or in a natural setting, and Part B (Age 3-21) covers school-aged services like IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). You always have the right to request evaluations, participate in service planning, and advocate for your child’s needs.
Guardianship & Power of Attorney
You may need to explore legal arrangements to help your child get the help they need as they get older. Guardianship may be considered when your child approaches adulthood and cannot make decisions independently. A Medical Power of Attorney gives you legal authority to make healthcare decisions for your child in emergencies. Talk to a lawyer or disability rights organization in your state for tailored advice. Getting these in place at a young age can make ongoing transitions more seamless for all involved.
Wills & Trusts
Long-term planning is incredibly important for parents, especially if your child may need lifelong support. Creating a will and/or a special needs trust will help ensure your little one gets the care they need. A will is a legal document that outlines who will care for your child if you no longer can and how your assets should be distributed. A Special Needs Trust (sometimes called a Supplemental Needs Trust) can help you set aside funds to support your child without impacting eligibility for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other programs. Talk to a lawyer or disability rights organization in your state for tailored advice.
Parent Centers
Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) are free or low-cost legal support centers for families of children with disabilities. They have resources to help you better understand your rights and navigate special education services.
Consent & Privacy Rights (FERPA & HIPAA)
You have legal right to access and protect your child’s records, including important evaluations, services, and health information. FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the privacy of a child’s early intervention and educational records. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) governs how medical providers handle your child’s health data.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also protects your family and child’s right to access childcare, community spaces, and early learning programs. Childcare centers, preschools, home daycares, and other facilities that serve the public cannot exclude your child just because of a disability. It can also protect you, as a caregiver, against retaliation when advocating for your child.
With the right support, you can feel confident and empowered as you guide your little one toward their fullest potential. Our early childhood intervention specialists have put together some additional resources to help you navigate the ups and downs of financial and legal disability assistance.
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