Giving their child the help and tools they need can be hard for parents of children with special needs. Thank goodness there is help. Let’s look at some of the most well-known government projects.
1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI helps people with disabilities or who are blind by giving them money.
SSI helps families with limited income and resources support their children with mental or physical disabilities.
The SSI for Children page on Social Security has more information. Go to the Youth Resources page to learn more about programs and help for SSI transition-age youth (ages 14 to 17).
2. Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
A PASS lets someone on SSI who is at least 15 years old set away money and other resources to reach their employment goal. The plan needs to be approved by Social Security. Set aside money can be used for things like schooling, training, transportation, and equipment (like a car or computer). You can find out more on the PASS page.
3. Medicaid
A child who gets SSI can also get Medicaid in most states. Aside from health care, Medicaid may also pay for day, residential, and supported job programs. On Social Security’s website, you can find the Medicaid While Working State Threshold Amounts for disabled people.
4. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
People younger than 19 who can’t afford private insurance but make too much for Medicaid can get full health care through CHIP. The program is paid for by Medicaid and other federal and state programs.
5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, which used to be called “food stamps,” helps low-income people buy healthy food. SNAP is a government program, but it is run by state agencies through local offices. If you meet certain standards for income and resources, you might be able to get SNAP benefits. People with disabilities are not the only ones who can get SNAP, but there are special rules for people with special needs. To learn how to apply for SNAP and SSI, read this blog post from Social Security in English.
Need Additional Help?
Certain private grants and groups help children with special needs by giving them support, help, and money. The Federation for Children with Special Needs and Autism Care Today SOS Program are two of these groups. You can get more information at USA.gov or by calling the health and human services department in your state.
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