Single parent looking for financial help- child with disability?

Question

I am a single parent with a daughter that is "normal" and a newborn son that has Down Syndrome. For this reason I can not work at this time due to the amount of one on one attention he needs. Also believe because of his problem is th e reason his dad left. However I am looking for anyone that knows of different programs in Indiana that could possibly help me financially. It is not that I do not want to work. It is that right now I cannot work. and being on my own it is very difficult to pay everything without a job. NEED HELP? Does anyone have any adise as what to do?

Answer 1

I would say to contact your state welfare department and also your social security office.
Your child may be able to get a SSI check for his disability and/or you maybe able to draw as the parent of a child with a disability.

As for groceries there is a place called anglefoodministries and you can find them online. They have a big box of food for like 25 dollars which should feed yall for a month. Anyone qualifies for this no matter how much money they do or don't make.

Hope this helps............God be with you and yours

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Since your son is disabled, have you looked into state funded programs that assist parents with disabled children? How about WIC or foodstamps? I know that this barely helps to ease the burden. I hope for your sake and the sake of your children Indiana would have a program for you. You need to look and look and look and ask, ask, ask, don't give up. I am sad that the father left and that he didn't own up to his responsiblity as a father, what a coward. God gave you your son for a reason, now whatever that reason is you will not know. I feel as though he gives us these angels to see what we are going to do with them. Don't give up, pursue until you get answers. IF not maybe you can take in a couple of older kids to keep (babysit)until you get back on your feet maybe some that are the age of your older one so that they can keep her entertained, that is a good way to make some honest extra money.

Good Luck and GoD BLESS!

Answer 4

Your son should definitely be eligible for SSI. Other possible resouces could be the Indiana chapter of ARC

http://www.arcind.org/

Call them...if they can't help, often they will be able to point you in the right direction.

Also, here is the web site for your state's Dept. of Health and Human services...

http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/index.html

Your child, by virtue of having Down syndrome, is immediately eligible (by federal law) for Early Intervention services (therapy, etc). Please do not put this off. The state MUST provide this to you regardless of whether or not you can pay...and be prepared to push for as much therapy as you think your son needs. And if you need back up, ask your pediatrician to make therapy referrals. Go to http://www.in.gov/fssa/first_step/ for information...Please, please, please don't wait.

Having a child with Down syndrome may seem a bit daunting, but your son is an incredible gift. He will amaze you! Don't ever think that he won't be able to do the things other children can do...he will...it just might take longer. My 2 year old son has Down syndrome and I cannot believe the positive impact he has made on my life and the lives of everyone who has ever met him.

A couple of other things... search on the net for Down Syndrome forums. You will "meet" lots of parents that have all been there and they can be an incredible source of information and support.

Also check out http://www.ndss.org/ for helpful information.

I'm sorry your husband couldn't cope, it will be his loss. Stay strong for your son. DEMAND child support and spousal support.

Finally...bless you for caring for your little boy and giving him the attention he deserves. Good luck

Answer 5

Your son would beeligible to receive SSI, Supplemental Security Income. Contact your local Social Security office and apply for him. It'll give him a monthly income and medical assistance. Also go to your local Welfare office and apply for assistance which will help you and your other child with a monthly income and medical assistance. Dad will also be ordered to pay child support. Good luck, and this is not an easy process but it will all work out well for you in the end. Keep your chin up!

Answer 6

you can sign the baby up for SSI this is cocial security for diasbled persons..I would also go to the dhhr and file child support on dad...Make him pay..You may also be able to have in home help for children with disabilities her in WV it's called birth to three..maybe there is a similar program in Indiana. The dhhr should be able to help you with resources you are unaware of. Good luck and stay strong.

Answer 7

Contact your local Child Services Agency. I know a lady who has a disabled daughter and she gets money from the state for her rent and gets paid to stay home and care for her daughter. There are programs out there to help you. I wish you the best!

Answer 8

I know it can be tough to raise children alone let alone one w/ special needs. As a mother of an autistic son -- I can understand what how difficult it can get.

Try to find a support group. Get family members to babysit once in awhile-- so you can get some time for you.

Try going to Church. It really helps.

Try Easter Seals:
http://crossroads.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=INCN_homepage

Answer 9

First...nail the father with child support. Second of all there should be some government sponsored programs that can help you with your son. Or ask your Dr if there are some groups that can help you

Answer 10

if ur community has it try early intervention they are get to work with and they are trained for disabled children, easter seals is good too, ubt sometimes hard to get ahold of. look up help me grow in the phone book or call ur doc or wic office and they can give u info on where to go. good luck