Financial Aid for Children with Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities interfere with the way children understand, remember and analyze information they receive. They may make it difficult for children to read, write or solve math problems. Children with learning disabilities may have other problems as well, such as speech impairments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or poor coordination. Children with learning disabilities are often of average or even above average intelligence but they may need special services in order to succeed in school because they must overcome the barriers that affect their ability to learn.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income provides modest monthly payments to children with serious disabilities. Their disabilities must interfere with children's ability to function in a significant way for children to qualify for Supplemental Security Income. Families must also meet income guidelines to qualify. While most learning disabilities do not cause enough impairment for children to qualify for Supplemental Security Income, in some cases children with learning disabilities do qualify. For more information or to apply, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.

Medicaid

Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services for people with low incomes, including children with learning disabilities.In some states, children that qualify for Supplemental Security Income automatically qualify for Medicaid as well. In others, parents must apply for Medicaid benefits for children. Medicaid covers many services useful for children with learning disabilities, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and psychological testing. Of course, it covers other medical services as well. Apply at the welfare office in the county in which you live.

Vocational Rehabilitation

All states offer vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, including children with learning disabilities. When children with learning disabilities near adulthood, vocational rehabilitation agencies offer services such as vocational testing and training, assistance with writing resumes, training on interviewing skills and special equipment children may need in order to succeed on the job.Vocational rehabilitation agencies cover the costs of all these services.

College Scholarships

Several scholarships help children with learning disabilities pay for college, including the Anna Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship, the Hal Hazelett Scholarship and the Incight Go Getter Scholarship. You can get more information about scholarships from the National Center for Learning Disabilities ( http://www.ncld.org/college-aamp-work/post-high-school-options/financial-matters/financial-aid-scholarships-and-resources-for-students-with-ld . Financial Aid, Scholarships).

Qualifying for Assistance

For most forms of financial assistance for children with learning disabilities, you must demonstrate that your child or families qualifies for help. Often school records verifying your child has a learning disability and needs extra help will suffice. If you apply for Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid for your child, you will also need to provide proof of all household income.

Sources:

Teens Health. http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/learning/learning_disabilities.html . Learning Disabilities.

Social Security Administration. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html . Benefits for Children With Disabilities.

National Center for Learning Disabilities. http://www.ncld.org/college-aamp-work/post-high-school-options/financial-matters/financial-aid-scholarships-and-resources-for-students-with-ld . Financial Aid, Scholarships.