As a parent of kids with autism, I couldn’t be happier that I live in a place with terrific services for autism through our national insurance and the public school system. Paying for services has never once been an issue for me, fortunately. Unfortunately, many others are not in that situation. You might be struggling to figure out how to access funding for your kids’ help. Hopefully this article from a reader will give you some suggestions.
Raising a child with autism comes with its joys and unique challenges. Among the biggest hurdles many parents face is the financial strain that can come with therapies, specialized education, medical care, and support services. The good news is that you’re not alone, and there are real resources out there to help. Over the years, there have been several support systems created to ease the burden on parents with autistic children, from government aid to private funding, insurance, and more. In an effort to help other parents of autistic kids, I went looking for these support systems. Here’s what I found out.
Government Provisions
Some of the best opportunities you can find for your kids come from the government. The amount given is substantial, and it’s a great way to benefit from all you’ve given to your home county. The major options available presently are the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.
Social Security Administration
SSI for autism is a common program in the US that is aimed at providing financial support to individuals with disabilities, as well as older adults who do not have the resources to take care of themselves. Autistic kids fall into the first category, and with the right qualifications, they can have access to these funds. The first thing to note is that a child can be eligible for this program from birth, however, access to the support ends at the age of 18. At 18, there have to be some evaluations on the impairment based on the system’s definition of disability for adults. Another thing to note is that this program is reserved for families with limited income and resources. The SSI for autism program is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the family will be eligible for monthly payments to support the child’s health if the child meets the SSA’s requirements. They can get as much as $943 monthly, but the amount often varies. Some states also offer additional payments outside the federal government’s provisions.
Medicaid
Most states give Medicaid waivers for people with developmental challenges. These waivers allow for more flexible approval of financing autism needs. It could also cover medical expenses, therapies, and sometimes in-home support services. Some states’ Medicaid packages also cover therapies specific to autistic children, and sessions that can help increase their chances of living a normal life. Other possible benefits that can come with this system include transportation assistance, periodic screening and diagnosis, and health insurance coverage.
Educational Support
When it comes to promoting equal education for kids with autism, there are a lot of programs that have been established to facilitate this. These programs include strategies for addressing their unique needs and providing a structured environment tailored to them. It also comes with having positive reinforcement systems to boost their learning experience. The IEP (Individualized Education Program) is one of these programs, and parents can get free access to it through schemes like IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Act). The IEP is a specialized program that individualizes learning experiences and tailors them to the child’s strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. It’s a great framework to give your child an edge in their learning curve.
Private Grants and Foundations
In addition to the assistance provided by the government, there are several non-profit and private organizations with an interest in supporting autistic children. The support can extend to education and financial assistance for families in need. These groups often offer grants, therapy scholarships, equipment funding, and even emergency financial aid to families of autistic children. Some of the popular ones are:
- Autism speaks
- Autism society
- The National Autism Association
- ACT today (Autism Care and Treatment)
Health Insurance
In the United States, autistic children have access to health insurance coverage through medical waivers and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This system is great for opportunities like low-cost coverage in medical care, therapy, and even access to medications. CHIP is available to children up to the age of 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid or do not have the capacity to receive private insurance coverage. The system differs slightly from state to state, and the structure in your location would most likely determine how much you’d be eligible for.
Tax Benefits
The concept of tax benefits for parents caring for autistic kids is to offset the cost of the day-to-day care. There are several opportunities in this category, from the Child and Dependent Care Credit to medical expense deductions and earned income tax credit (EITC). The EITC, for instance, is a refundable tax credit for low-to-moderate-income working families. Having a child with a disability, including autism, may make a family eligible even with little or no tax liability. If your child is under 13 or unable to care for themselves due to a disability (including autism), you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. This can give up to 35% of $3,000–$6,000 in care expenses, depending on income.
You’re Not Alone
The journey to building up your child for their best life can be quite lonely, but help is always available through multiple channels. Endeavor to maximize these opportunities rather than secluding yourself and believing people cannot relate to your struggles. Connect with people with similar circumstances while you give your child the best possible chance at success.
