4 Ways New Parents Can Get Financial Aid For Disabled Newborn Care
Caring for any newborn can be an exciting challenge, but disabled babies can come with some extra needs that a parent may struggle to meet.
If you have a new baby diagnosed by a doctor as having at least one disability, you may be able to get some financial help for the additional costs associated with caring for the child.
SSI
Supplemental Security Income is a type of federal aid, and it is the only kind at this level that is reserved to help disabled children meet some of their needs.
SSI tends to be tailored to help disadvantaged families receive a lifeline that can pull them out of poverty, but not every child with a disability will qualify for these benefits.
You will need doctor’s notes and other medical proof that your child suffers from limitations that severely limit their quality of life or ability to function normally, but many children receive a diagnosis early for obvious signs that a disability is present.
Health Insurance
You may have some form of health insurance already, but there are government programs that can offer additional types of help if they know you have a disabled newborn.
Private entities may do this as well, but it can be harder to obtain their support at little cost to you.
One of the best ways to navigate these confusing waters is with the help of a qualified birth defect lawyer who specializes in helping babies get the kinds of support that can make their lives a bit easier.
Both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program have the ability to provide long-term care or support to small children with disabilities.
Tax Credits
Although this isn’t a direct form of financial assistance, a tax credit for a disabled child can shrink the difficulties of taking on the extra financial costs here.
Up to a certain point, you should be able to deduct medical expenses associated with the disability for which you were not reimbursed at the time of service.
These deductibles include more than just regular doctor’s visits. Special equipment, therapy sessions, and even the costs of driving to appointments are things you can take off at tax time.
Grant Funds
Many charities or educational institutions offer grants to families rearing disabled children as a way to help them on the path to success early.
Each grant has requirements that can vary quite a bit, but your newborn may be eligible for more than one.
Many foundations will offer grants dedicated to fighting specific disabilities.
Both you and your child will face unique challenges related to dealing with disabilities in the world.
However, you don’t have to face difficulties or adversity entirely alone. The resources available to you may not cover all the costs you have, but they can help lift some of the heavy financial burdens from your shoulders.
When your child is older, educational scholarships may also be an option for you.
Category: Family Finances
