Finances and Financial Assistance for individuals with Cerebral Palsy Disabilities

Financial Assistance: Disability Specific: Cerebral Palsy

Financial Assistance: Cerebral Palsy offers resources on financial assistance for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy disabilities, their families and caregivers.

National

Disability Benefits for Cerebral Palsy as an Adult is an article by Nolo,a very large web based library of consumer-friendly legal information – all available for free. If CP causes you difficulty standing, walking, or using your hands effectively, or it results in a low IQ, sensory defects, or behavior problems, you should be eligible for disability benefits. This article includes information on Getting SSI or SSDI for Cerebral Palsy as an Adult, Qualifying for Cerebral Palsy under the Official Listing, Getting Disability Through a Medical-Vocational Allowance, Applying for Disability Benefits for Cerebral Palsy as an Adult and Presumptive Disability Payments.

How to Get Disability Benefits for a Child with Cerebral Palsy is an article by Nolo,a very large web based library of consumer-friendly legal information – all available for free. If your child has cerebral palsy that causes problems standing, walking, or using his or her hands well, or it results in a low IQ, sensory defects, or emotional problems, your child should qualify for SSI. The article includes information on Applying for Disability Benefits for a Child wit Cerebral Palsy, Qualifying for Cerebral Palsy under the Child Listing and Presumptive Disability Payments.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a national organization that "strives to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every facet of society." They offer information on such topics as education, employment, housing, parenting and families, health and wellness, and many more. They also offer answers to frequently asked questions regarding Cerebral Palsy. Additionally, via their Bellows Fund, they offer grants to purchase assistive technology equipment for individuals with disabilities. Individuals may inquire on this program at their local UCP office. For more information, call the National UCP office at (800) 872-5827 or contact your local chapter. Government Assisted Child Care is an article from UCP about finding a child care program or facility that meets the needs of a child with Cerebral Palsy through government supports. The article describes several government programs such as Child Care and Development Fund listed below.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care promotes family economic self-sufficiency and helps children succeed in school and life through affordable, high-quality early care and afterschool programs.

USDHHS, ACF, Office of Child Care Child Care and Development Fund Contact Directory This directory offers the state contact information for the, CCDF program. Children from birth through age 12 in vulnerable families have access, through CCDF, to child care settings that meet their needs, from full-day early care to afterschool care for school-age children. Parents in eligible low-income families can find help paying for child care at a provider of their choice. Parents also may receive consumer education on such topics as what to look for in a quality child care provider.

USDHHS, ACF, Office of Child Care, Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance offers this article Finding and Providing Quality Child Care All children deserve quality care, but finding and providing quality care can often be a challenge. The Office of Child Care and services like Child Care Aware are committed to helping parents and providers overcome common hurdles. More Information for Parents offers an FAQ with comprehensive answers on How Can I Get Help to Pay for Child Care?

State Listings

California

United Cerebral Palsy of San Luis Obispo County announced the launch of its first annual scholarship program, designed to support the full participation of children and adults with disabilities. The year's funding is $7,500 with a scholarship cap of $1,500 per individual. They are looking for requests that will truly assist people in living, working, and participating in the community, with emphasis on equipment or community classes. UCP has funds available for scholarships for children and adults with developmental disabilities to purchase equipment or services that will increase the participation of the individual in their community. You can fill out an application over the phone and they will get back to you within two weeks on whether they can fund your request. Most scholarships are in the $50-$400 range.

Massachusetts

United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Boston offers the John J. Ingalls Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship program for Massachusetts Students with a Physical Disability. Through this program United Cerebral Palsy of Metro Boston, Inc. will award $5,000 scholarships for college bound high school seniors, and current undergraduate and graduate students, residing in the State of Massachusetts, and diagnosed with a physical disability. The scholarship committee will award up to three applicants per year an unrestricted amount of $5,000 to be used towards tuition at an accredited college or university. The application deadline is in April. The application can be obtained by calling 617-926-5480, or on the website (link above). The scholarship is named after Mr. John J. Ingalls, a Massachusetts resident, who through his generosity established this scholarship in his will.

New Jersey

New Jersey State Elks Association Handicapped Children Scholarship Program Every year the New Jersey State Elks Handicapped Children's Committee awards two scholarships of up to $2,500 per year for four years. They are awarded to a graduating male high school senior and a graduating female high school senior from the State of New Jersey. Applications are sent to schools throughout New Jersey in early November and are due by mid April. If you are interested or know of a handicapped senior who may be interested, please contact State head-quarters at (732)326-1300 for an application. Please note that applications from the jurisdictional territory of a Lodge are considered to be sponsored by that Lodge. New Jersey Elks, for example, offer 700 to 800 camp scholarships each summer, available through local lodges, to Camp Moore in Ramapo, NJ, which accepts individuals age 7-18 with disabilities. Contact