As a parent of a special needs child, you may want to preserve your eligibility for government assistance for special needs children and learn what types of benefits are available. The process is complicated and changes frequently, so you may need to consult an attorney and review your current eligibility documentation. You can also get financial assistance through Medicaid. The government is committed to helping families with special-needs children, but it is important to understand your options.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program –
- Government programs can help cover the costs of treating your special needs child. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is the only federal income for children with disabilities. SSI helps keep families out of poverty and is designed for low-income families. In the United States, children on SSI receive $791 a month, which is more than enough to meet their basic needs. In many states, these children automatically qualify for Medicaid.
- SSI is one of the few federal programs that caters to low-income households. This program pays for a child’s medical care and can help a family stay out of poverty. Further, SSI can keep a special needs child from falling behind on their education.
- The government provides several types of assistance for special-needs children. It can help keep a family out of poverty by providing funds for long-term care. SSI also covers a child’s private duty nursing and non-emergency medical transportation. Additionally, it can provide parents with financial assistance for medical care for special-needs children. These programs also cover medical services for the disabled or elderly. The services of these programs can range from behavioral health care to home-based health care.
- SSI benefits include the Supplemental Security Income. It helps keep a family from being forced to live in poverty. It is a government benefit that can help pay for medical bills and keep a family from falling into debt. For example, a child on SSI receives $791 a month in the United States. Moreover, SSI benefits are automatically transferred to Medicaid in most states.
Medicaid –
Medicaid is another type of government assistance for special-needs children. It pays for a wide range of medical and long-term care services. In fact, many of these services are covered in limited amounts by private insurance, and are also available to the Special Needs Child. Further, the benefits of Medicaid cover prescription drugs, behavioral health care, dental care, hearing and vision care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical equipment and supplies.
