{"id":18845,"date":"2025-05-02T01:48:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T07:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=18845"},"modified":"2026-02-02T10:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:48:08","slug":"financial-tips-care-disabled-loved-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/financial-tips-care-disabled-loved-one\/","title":{"rendered":"How to handle financial challenges when supporting loved ones with disabilities\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s a scenario many people aren\u2019t prepared for: A loved one becomes disabled and requires your care. That care can bring financial challenges you may not be prepared for. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a> reports that a person with a disability in the U.S. will spend $11,637 each year on average for healthcare expenses\u2014in many cases, for the rest of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, medical costs may only scratch the surface of the financial repercussions. A person with a disability may lose some or all of their wage-earning ability, and the individual caring for them might also have to work fewer hours. You may incur additional expenses for home modifications, assistive devices, or occupational therapy, and a child or adult with a disability may also need specialized caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If all of this sounds overwhelming, take heart. Many financial resources exist that are designed to help people who are supporting a disabled adult or child, as well as to help secure your loved one\u2019s financial future. Here are important things you need to know to make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defining a disability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A basic definition of disability is any condition that challenges a person\u2019s ability to perform certain activities or interact with their surroundings. But that definition may become more nuanced when it involves someone\u2019s ability or inability to work, as well as any government benefits they are entitled to receive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For adults, the Social Security Administration (SSA)<\/a> defines a disability as any mental or physical condition that is expected to be continuous in nature for at least 12 months that renders a person unable to perform the duties required by a job. To meet the SSA\u2019s definition, people must have \u201ca severe impairment(s) that makes you unable to do your past relevant work \u2026 or any other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Per the SSA, a child is considered to have a disability (and be eligible for benefits) if they \u201chave a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his or her activities\u201d and if this condition has lasted or is expected to last for longer than a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assessing whether your loved one\u2019s disability meets the SSA\u2019s definition is the first step in researching available benefits. Your family healthcare provider or a professional advisor who specializes in disability benefits may be able to help you make this determination.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits for children with disabilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Children with disabilities are entitled to multiple government benefits to ensure they have quality healthcare, as well as services and supplies to meet their basic needs. One form of aid is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<\/a>, which is distributed by the SSA. The requirements for children to receive this supplemental income include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n