Three Steps to Support Parents Navigating Disability Benefits
As a parent, navigating the world of disability could feel overwhelming. But understanding what support is available can ease the burden.
Various programs offer financial assistance to those who qualify. So, let’s find out more…
1. Determine What Support Is Available
If you or your child has a disability, you may be able to claim benefits. So, make sure you first determine what support is available.
In the United Kingdom
In the UK, the DLA (Disability Living Allowance) is a government benefit that can help parents and guardians claim costs for looking after their kids who have disabilities.
Parents and children will need to meet the eligibility requirements (for instance, the child must be under the age of sixteen and require much more care than a child of the same age who doesn’t have a disability) to claim the benefit, which (as of September 2024) stands at between £28.70 and £184.30 per week.
In Scotland, parents need to apply for the similar Child Disability Payment benefits program.
Additionally, UK-based parents who are looking after children with disabilities or who have disabilities themselves may qualify for standard child benefits, help with health costs and some or all of these:
* Carer’s Allowance.
* Personal Independence Payment.
* Child Tax Credit.
* Working Tax Credit.
* Universal Credit.
* Disabled Facilities Grant.
* Housing Benefit.
In the United States
In the US, parents and carers of children who have a disability may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a monthly payment to help provide basic needs to kids with a physical or mental disability.
To qualify, the child must have a condition that lasts at least one year and seriously limits their activities. Plus, parents must have limited income and savings in order to qualify.
Parents may also qualify for the Social Security Administration’s Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have disabilities themselves. To be eligible, their condition must result in them not being able to work in a role that pays enough to cover their monthly expenses and the condition must last for at least twelve months or result in death.
However, the Social Security Disability application process for SSDI and SSD can be lengthy and complex.
According to this guide to the SSD application process, only 20% of first-time applicants were approved in 2022 and, on average, it took over seven months for applications to be approved or denied. The good news is that applicants can increase their chances of approval and speed up the process when they get professional legal assistance for filing claims.
Whether you are based in the UK, the US, or another country, the first step is to research exactly what benefits are available from the government. Then, carefully research each one to determine whether you are eligible.
2. File Your Claim
Once you have researched what assistance is available, it’s time to begin the application process.
Make sure that you find out about your options for submitting your claim. For example, you could submit your application online or via mail.
And ensure you fill out any application in the right way. Always read the accompanying guidelines for any benefits claim - and strictly follow the guidelines. If you don’t, your application could be returned or denied - just because you made a simple mistake.
3. Get Professional Assistance
To make certain you don’t make mistakes during the application process - and to ensure you know exactly what benefits are available for your situation (whether it’s you or your child who has a disability), it’s a good idea to seek professional help.
Lawyers will be able to give you the advice you need. You could also contact local organisations, charities, and non-profit organisations to get helpful information.
In the UK, Citizens Advice is a good place to start. In the US, contact free legal advice clinics.