Cerebral Palsy Government Assistance

Fact Checked

Cerebral palsy, like many other lifelong disorders, can get quite costly. Many parents are unprepared for the expenses of raising a child with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy government assistance can help qualified families get the financial support they need.

Financial Assistance for Cerebral Palsy Families

The U.S. government has several programs available to needy families with special needs children, which help with temporary needs and long-term health support.

However, to qualify for cash assistance, the family must meet specific guidelines, which vary according to your state. Cash assistance is available to most families meeting the government’s income thresholds.

Generally, cash assistance from the government is reserved for low-income families. When children with cerebral palsy grow older and have work limitations, they may also be able to receive their own cash assistance.

To qualify for government cash assistance, apply for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). TANF programs are run by each individual state with its own qualification requirements and benefits.

TANF funds include spending on basic assistance for families.[1] This is cash assistance that helps families meet basic daily needs.

Keep in mind that you will have to go through a strict application process and provide proof of income. It is a long process, but you’ll receive cash assistance that can significantly help your family if you qualify.

Social Security Benefits

Under section 111.000 of the Social Security Disability Evaluation, children with cerebral palsy who have motor dysfunction qualify for social security benefits.[2]

However, to get social security benefits for your child, it’s important to be prepared for the process. Children with severe motor disabilities are generally automatically approved for social security benefits as long as they have medical documentation.

For children with minor motor disabilities, the requirements are more stringent. Parents may need to show additional documentation that proves the child’s impairment. The Social Security Administration will give you a detailed list of requirements.

Other forms of disorders that will help qualify your child for Social Security cash assistance include:

• Seizure disorders
• An IQ of less than 70
• Severe communication problems
• Severe emotional problems and disorders

Once you’ve applied for social security benefits and the application is approved, you can expect a set amount of cash assistance each month.

In addition to cash assistance, social security benefits may also include insurance. Social security insurance is designed for people who have physical or developmental disabilities that affect their ability to work.

Although some children with cerebral palsy will grow up and find gainful employment without the need for assistance, others may have limited abilities and cannot work.

Social Security can also provide Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which helps people with disabilities and low-income individuals with housing payments, living costs, heating and energy bills, and general miscellaneous expenses.

Educational Assistance for Cerebral Palsy

Some children with cerebral palsy will require special education assistance while in public school to ensure they obtain a quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 was designed so that children can receive an individualized education that suits their individual needs.[3]

Several different types of educational plans can assist children with their individualized needs, including:

• Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• Individualized Education Evaluation (IEE)
• Individualized Health Plan (IHP)
• Individualized Transition Plan (ITP)

For in-depth information on each plan and more details on educational assistance, refer to our article, Cerebral Palsy Educational Assistance.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid

CHIP is a government program and a part of Medicaid that offers healthcare coverage to qualifying children. Medicaid and CHIP are run through state governments, and eligibility requirements vary by state.

Nearly 10 million children are already enrolled in CHIP. Contact your state’s Medicaid office to find out how to qualify and enroll your child.[4]

Children receiving SSI benefits are also eligible for Medicaid health insurance coverage.

Assistance from Disability Organizations

Look for nonprofit groups if you need assistance beyond what the government can offer. Many disability organizations assist those with cerebral palsy and numerous other disabilities, including the following:

• United Cerebral Palsy
• International Cerebral Palsy Society
• Easter Seals
• Cerebral Palsy Foundation
• March of Dimes

Each organization offers a unique range of assistance, including therapy, summer camps, fundraisers for awareness, and more.

United Cerebral Palsy is one of the largest organizations and most prominent advocates for people with cerebral palsy in the United States. For additional information, refer to our article, United Cerebral Palsy.

Child Care Assistance

People think of daycare centers where numerous children are watched and supervised while parents work. Although that is one aspect of child care, some parents may opt to have a babysitter who works with children with cerebral palsy in their home. Both types of child care have benefits and cons.

Children attending a daycare center will have numerous other children to play with and planned activities that can be done in groups. Children are typically broken into groups by age, from infancy through the maximum age the daycare center allows.

In-home care allows children to have more one-on-one time with caregivers, as well as feel more comfortable as they are in their own homes. Many parents who have children with cerebral palsy find home care services easier for the child due to one-on-one attention in a comfortable, well-known environment.

However, sometimes, in-home care with a caregiver who specializes in caring for children with cerebral palsy can be more expensive when compared to daycare centers.

Childcare costs continue to soar, increasing faster than many families can afford, especially families with children who have cerebral palsy and already require many additional medical and therapy services.

Fortunately, some families may qualify for government-assisted childcare. The federal government provides funding for states to help low-income families pay for childcare. This allows parents to work or go to school.[5]

If you are struggling financially with a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you may be able to take legal action to seek compensation. Contact an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer to learn more about your options.