Takeaways
- Raising a child with a disability often incurs significantly higher costs than raising a child without disabilities.
- In addition to various government programs that offer financial assistance, many nonprofit organizations also provide disability grants for children with special needs.
- Parents may need to conduct careful research and adhere to specific eligibility criteria, documentation, and application deadlines for these grants.
Raising children takes a great deal of time, energy, and money. According to 2022 data, the average estimated cost of raising a child born in 2015 from birth to age 17 was more than $300,000. Families of children with special needs often must invest far more financial resources to secure essential services, therapies, and equipment. For example, the nonprofit Autism Speaks estimates the cost of raising a child with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) at $1.2 million to $2.4 million.
For parents of a child with disabilities, government agencies have programs designed to help with health care and general expenses. As helpful as these programs can be, in many cases more assistance is necessary. Fortunately, grants are also available through a wide range of funding sources to aid parents in meeting the needs of their children.
Assistance Through the Federal Government
Three of the most well-known public assistance programs available in the United States that provide financial support for families raising a child with disabilities are Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid.
- SSI offers a modest monthly payment to help cover the costs of caring for a disabled child. Qualifying for this program requires meeting strict criteria, including having limited income and resources. A child who receives SSI will typically also qualify for Medicaid coverage.
- SSDI also provides monthly financial support for people with disabilities. Unlike with SSI, the recipient can qualify for these benefits regardless of how much money they have.
Over the years, the federal government has also passed various pieces of legislation through which states receive grants that support the needs of children with disabilities. These include:
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) offers grants to states. These grants support early intervention services for infants and toddlers, as well as special education for youth with disabilities. Though funds go to states (not directly to families), they benefit children by enhancing educational services and resources.
- Assistive Technology Act. The Assistive Technology Act provides funding to states specifically to support access to assistive technology (AT), such as communication devices, wheelchairs, and adaptive computers. Each state has an AT program that offers device loans and demonstrations, financial aid for AT purchases, and reuse and recycling programs. Find AT resources in your state via the AT3 Center website.
State Government Grants
State-specific programs provide additional support tailored to local needs. For instance, Connecticut’s Education Committee recently approved a bill to use approximately $300 million to fund supplemental early childhood education programs. This initiative aims to address high day care costs and ensure universal access to early childhood education for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Assistive programs vary by state, but often fall under Medicaid waivers, AT programs, and special grant funds.
States also often offer targeted funding for medical equipment, AT, or respite programs that can help families directly. Examples include:
- Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. This program offers mini grants of up to $2,500 per person each month. Though grants go to an agency on behalf of the individual with the disability, beneficiaries include children with an IDD.
- Ability Tools. In California, Ability Tools provides AT loans and device reuse programs, including for infants and toddlers with special needs.
- Family Caregiver Alliance. This website allows you to search for state-funded family caregiver support programs, such as respite programs, near where you live. For example, Minnesota has a grant program that provides cash grants to families for services their disabled children need.
- Massachusetts Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund (CICRF). CICRF reimburses eligible families for AT, medical equipment, home adaptations, and other expenses that other sources do not cover.
- Texas Technology Access Program (TTAP). This program allows families to borrow AT devices temporarily to see if they are beneficial for their disabled loved one.
To find state-administered programs in your state, consult your state’s department of health and human services and department of education to explore available grants and services.
Nonprofit Organization Grants
Numerous nonprofits across the country offer grants to fund care and support for families of children with special needs. Many of them cater to children with a specific disability. Examples include:
- Autism Care Today. This organization offers grants to families to help cover costs associated with autism treatments and services.
- Alyssa V. Phillips Foundation. This foundation supports individuals with cerebral palsy (CP), especially children with CP and their families.
- iTaalk Autism Foundation. Families and individuals with autism and related disorders can apply for iPad grants.
- Kaufman Children’s Center. The Center offers a long list of organizations that offer special needs grants.
- Kiddos’ Clubhouse Foundation. Foundation scholarships go to families who cannot afford therapeutic services or equipment for their children who have disabilities. It accepts applications four times a year.
- National Autism Association. Its Give a Voice program accepts applications from families for letterboards that can aid individuals with autism who are nonverbal.
- Parker’s Purpose Foundation. Families who have a child with a life-altering illness or disability can apply for up to $1,000 in grant funds if they are facing a financial crisis caused by unforeseen medical expenses.
- Wheel to Walk Foundation. This nonprofit, which accepts applications from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, helps cover the costs of adaptive equipment and therapy services for people 20 years old or younger who have a disability.
Applying for Grants
Many grants are available to help support children with special needs. As mentioned above, some grants assist people with specific disabilities, so be sure to search thoroughly to find grants that apply to your family’s unique situation. When seeking grants, consider these steps:
- Research What Criteria You Must Meet to Qualify. Each grant program typically has specific requirements regarding the child's condition, family income, and geographic location.
- Prepare Documentation. Gather medical records, financial statements, and personal statements detailing the child's needs and how the grant will assist them.
- Adhere to Grant Deadlines. Submit applications within the specified timeframes, as many grants have strict deadlines.
- Seek Assistance. Organizations such as the Federation for Children with Special Needs can provide guidance and support during the application process.
Learn More About Resources for Children With Disabilities
By exploring federal, state, and nonprofit programs and diligently applying for grants, you can access vital financial support to enhance the well-being and development of your child with special needs. You can also contact your special needs planning attorney to get more information about your specific situation as well as legal advice if you are facing legal barriers.
