Can I get paid to take care of my Down syndrome child?

Asked by: Adam Nolan V  |  Last update: October 10, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (69 votes)

But can you become a paid caregiver for your child with special needs? The short answer is yes. You may be eligible to receive benefits such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). This funding can be used to meet your child's daily needs and can help pay the expenses associated with the disability.

How much money do you get for having a Down syndrome child?

This can translate to up to $3,000 a month in financial benefits, if eligible. Few things can make such a big difference in the lives of a family as the ability to give your child with special needs the full care he or she deserves, without endangering your family finances.

Can you get paid to stay home with your disabled child?

The average In Home Support Services (IHSS) Caregiver hourly pay in California is approximately $16.38, which is 20% above the national average. The hourly pay varies depending on the county in California you reside it, but the minimum hourly wage increased to $15.00 in 2022.

How to get paid to stay home with your child with Down syndrome?

If you are a California resident and receive Medi-Cal benefits, you may be eligible for IHSS. Eligibility is assessed with an evaluation regarding whether your child needs the services it provides to stay safely in your own home as an alternative to out-of-home placement. You must complete an IHSS application.

What benefits can I claim for a child with Downs syndrome?

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI benefits, can make it much easier for parents who are struggling financially to pay for additional therapies and other things that the child needs. In many cases, children who are diagnosed with Down syndrome automatically qualify for SSI benefits.

How Can Family Caregivers Get Paid?

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Do you get help if your child has Down syndrome?

Many children born with Down syndrome receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provide monthly cash payments to children and adults with disabilities from lower-income households. SSI is for people of all ages, so your child could receive benefits as an infant and continue to qualify throughout adulthood.

Can a child of a disabled parent get benefits?

When a parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or dies, their child may also receive benefits. Under certain circumstances, a stepchild, adopted child, or dependent grandchild or step-grandchild also may qualify. To receive benefits, the child must be unmarried and: Younger than age 18.

How much do family members get paid for caregiving?

Here are the average hourly wages for family caregivers in the top eight states with the most family caregivers, as of September 2024: A family caregiver in California earns $15.54 per hour. A family caregiver in Texas earns $14.82 per hour. A family caregiver in New York earns $16.44 per hour.

Do kids with Down syndrome get Medicaid?

Children with disabilities are eligible to receive Medicaid (government) insurance, regardless of family income. Down syndrome is one of the diagnoses included in this category. This means that even if your child is denied SSI based on your family's income, he or she can still receive Medicaid.

Can I get help with housing if I have a disabled child?

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

HUD's Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford rental housing in the private market. About 1 in 3 households using Section 8 vouchers are headed by a non-elderly (under age 62) person with a disability.

How do I get money for my disabled child?

Supplemental Security Income provides financial assistance for low-income families who have children who meet the Social Security Administration definition of disabled. Income must not exceed a certain limit, which changes every year, depending on cost of living.

How to become a caregiver for a disabled child?

A college degree in behavioral studies, social work, counseling, and other related fields may also be helpful to caregivers. Experience working with people with disabilities: Many primary caregiving tasks, such as feeding, maintaining good hygiene, and administering medications, can be perfected through practice.

Is raising a child with Down syndrome expensive?

One study from the U.S. reported the health care costs for children with Down syndrome was up to 13 times higher than for children without Down syndrome9. However costs were reported only for children who were members of a health insurance organisation, which may represent a more highly serviced group.

Do I make too much money for my child to get SSI?

If you or your parents make too much money or have too many assets, you will not get SSI. The exact limits depend on the size of your family. For example, if you live with both your parents and you have no siblings, the earned income limit is usually $4,841 per month and the asset limit is $2,000.

Will 2 parents with Down syndrome have a child?

If both partners have Down's syndrome there is a high chance of their children having the condition. As these events are still rare it is difficult to obtain accurate figures.

What disqualifies you from Medicaid?

In general, a single person must have no more than $2,000 in cash assets to qualify. If you're over 65, the requirements are more complex. Whatever your age, there are strict rules about asset transfers. Medicaid may take into consideration any gifts or transfers of cash you've made recently.

Do kids with Down syndrome get a check?

Down syndrome is listed as a qualifying condition in the Blue Book. If your child has Trisomy 21 or Translocation Down syndrome (98% of the Down syndrome population), he or she will automatically qualify. Those with Mosaic Down syndrome may qualify, but your child would need more than a diagnosis to be approved.

What support is available for children with Down syndrome?

Medical support

a speech and language therapist – for help with speaking. a physiotherapist – for help walking if they have low muscle tone. an optometrist or hearing specialist – for help with vision and hearing. an occupational therapist – for help with their development.

How can I make money while caring for a disabled child?

How to Get Paid for Raising a Child with Special Needs
  1. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) ...
  2. Medicaid Waivers. ...
  3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ...
  4. Private or Non-Profit Organizations.

What states pay you to take care of your disabled child?

Here are the states that currently pay you to care for a family member, and how:
  • California: The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.
  • Illinois: The Community Care Program (CCP).
  • Michigan: The MI Choice Waiver.
  • Minnesota: The Consumer Support Grant (CSG) program.
  • New Jersey: The Personal Preference Program (PPP).

Who is eligible for SSI caregiver allowance?

Eligibility Criteria for SSI Caregiver Allowance

These criteria typically include: Being a legal resident or citizen of the country. Providing care for an individual who is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Living in the same household as the individual receiving care.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

Specifically, a rumored $16,728 bonus that had people wondering if it was true or not in 2024? Sadly, there's no real “bonus” that retirees who receive Social Security can collect.

What is the most approved disability?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

How long does a child receive Social Security benefits from a disabled parent?

Your child's benefit will continue until he or she reaches age 18, or 19 if he or she is still in school full time.