Benefits for Stay At Home Mom of Disabled Child?

Question

My daughter has autism. She cannot go to daycare because of her tantrums and daycare's cannot handle her. I cannot afford private care as I cannot have a job because I do not have child care. My mother works during the week so she cannot keep her and my sister is only 13 and I don't trust her with my daughter's care. She gets social security disability benefits but $400 is not enough to last all month with rising gas prices, cost of food and clothing...etc...Does anyone know of anymore help? Thanks!

Answer 1

You can get a job and hire a nanny. I was a nanny for two developmentally disabled brothers. The oldest one was severely Autistic and the younger had some form of genetic disorder that doctors have yet to diagnose. Why are you not getting food stamps, WIC, Cash benefits, medical coupons for her and yourself? Your local DSHS office can help you. They have lists of programs for parents.

Answer 2

OK, here comes the tough love.

You must be exhausted!  You need a break.  Do you believe you truly are a beneficial mother?  There must be times where you feel like you need a break and that you can do a better job as a mother if you weren't so challenged?

I live in NYS.  There is a program within this state called Early Interventions.  Many states have these type of programs.  If you call them regardless of your income, they can make arrangements (free, if you qualitfy) for speech, physical, occupational and play therapy.  Also, most areas have a "pre-school", typically for childer 2 1/2-5 years old with disabilities.  I live in the NY Hudson Valley--here, It's called the Brookside school.  It is free.

That will give you time to get a job, earn money and at the same time...benefit your child.