The term cerebral palsy (CP) is described as a group of neurological conditions that appear soon after birth. CP results from brain damage occurring at a young age and can cause difficulties walking, using the arms, thinking, speech, hearing, and seeing.
What Are The Benefits Available For Cerebral Palsy?
Depending on the severity of the condition, a child with cerebral palsy may require lifetime care. Since there is no cure for it, long-term care can cause a financial strain. Hence, there are several kinds of support available for patients or caregivers to ease their burden.
Let’s discuss these in detail.
1. Cerebral Palsy Legal Assistance
In cases of medical malpractice, families of children with cerebral palsy may be able to file a compensation claim, a move that can change their lives. The compensation can cover your child’s treatment costs.
Additionally, it can help pay for:
- Assistive technology
- Needs in education
- Medical treatment
- Assistance with mobility
- Nursing care
- Surgeries or therapies
As a result of compensation awarded in a cerebral palsy injury lawsuit, your child can receive high-quality care so that they can live a long and happy life.
The case value determines settlements and verdict amounts for cerebral palsy lawsuits. However, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible to help cover your child’s medical expenses.
If you believe medical negligence caused your child’s condition, you can file a personal injury claim. The best way to determine whether you qualify for the case is to speak with an experienced lawyer. A lawyer can give you a free legal consultation to determine whether your case is eligible.
. Other Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit Benefits
Cerebral palsy affects a child for the rest of his or her life, all because the staff failed to maintain the required standard of medical care during birth. Filing a malpractice lawsuit will ensure that the negligent party will be held accountable, and parents can find peace knowing that justice has been served.
Furthermore, some families decide to file cerebral palsy lawsuits as a means of raising awareness. When medical malpractice cases come to the public’s attention, other families who have suffered similar injuries may be encouraged to take legal action.
2. Cerebral Palsy Government Assistance
Families with low incomes are eligible for government assistance. They have access to several government programs that assist in both temporary needs and long-term health support. Cash assistance may also be available to children with cerebral palsy who are older and have work limitations.
However, families must meet specific guidelines (different in each state) to qualify for cash assistance. A family that meets the government’s income thresholds is generally eligible for cash assistance.
Applicants must go through a rigorous application process and prove their income. The application process is tedious, but if you are eligible, you will receive cash assistance that can greatly benefit your family.
. Social Security Income (SSI)
Adults and children with disabilities whose income and resources are limited are eligible for SSI financial assistance.
If cerebral palsy severely limits an individual’s ability to walk, use his or her hands effectively, or communicate, they may qualify for SSI.
To qualify for SSI, parents with CP children or individuals must not make over the SSI maximum income or possess disproportionate assets (not including a home). However, Mild cerebral palsy will not qualify for disability benefits.
Even though it is an aid program provided by the government, Social Security is different because the Treasury funds it. The disadvantage here is that the amount of compensation allowed each month tends to be lower than that granted by other government forms of financial assistance, although recipients aren’t required to have work credits.
. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI may be available to adults with cerebral palsy. Persons with physical or mental disabilities who cannot work receive disability payments. SSDI is financed by payroll taxes of everyone who works in the country, unlike SSI.
A monthly SSDI benefit can be temporary or permanent. Despite cerebral palsy being a lifelong condition, SSDI is not always permanent since many children with cerebral palsy grow up and eventually find work.
As a condition of qualification, the applicant must show that they have been mentally or physically disabled for at least one year and have worked for at least ten years while paying social security taxes. The applicant must also demonstrate that they do not qualify for any current training programs.
3. Cerebral Palsy Educational Assistance
To ensure that a child with cerebral palsy receives a quality education, some children will require special education assistance. Children with disabilities can benefit from an individualized education through the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004.
Different types of educational plans exist to meet the individualized needs of children. A few include:
. Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
IFSPs are available for children as young as three months old. An FSP is generally developed based on information shared between the doctors and parents so that the plan is individualized for each child.
. Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Special education educators, counselors, and disability specialists create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) once a child turns three. It is a collaborative and ongoing process. Upon completion of an IEP, it should include in-depth, specialized education plans for the child.
As part of most IEPs, physical therapy, counseling, special education assistance, assistive technology, transportation, and more are included.
. Nutrition While in School
Free nutritional services may be available at school for children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees free school nutrition services for children with disabilities.
As reported in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a meal plan may include nutrition therapy, feeding support, nutrition therapy, or other nutrition-related goals.
4. Cerebral Palsy Disability Organizations Assistance
Several disability organizations provide support to people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, including:
- Cerebral Palsy Foundation
- Easter Seals
- International Cerebral Palsy Society
- March of Dimes
- United Cerebral Palsy Association
These organizations provide unique services, such as fundraisers for awareness, summer camps, therapy, etc.
5. Cerebral Palsy Child Care Assistance
Child care costs are rising, making them unaffordable for many families. This is especially challenging for parents of children with cerebral palsy, who require additional medical and therapy services. Here, government-funded childcare programs offer aid to these families. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the chosen daycare must provide the appropriate caregiving and accommodations to accommodate the child’s needs.
. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is the most common way of qualifying for government child care assistance. It allows your state to spend 30% of its allocation on child care. If you apply and get accepted into the TANF program, you can receive extra funds for child care.
. Child Care Subsidy Program (CCRC)
Children who meet the following requirements can receive free childcare at CCRC:
- Parents must meet income requirements (low income)
- Parents must work at least 20 hours a week, or their children must attend school
The requirements may vary from state to state. You can find out more from your local Department of Social Services.
CCRC is available to children of any age who have a disability and who are 13 years old or younger. To enroll in the program, you must choose a child care facility that meets the requirements. CCRC then reimburses the child care provider. State-specific reimbursement rates may apply.
. Other Child Care Assistance Options
Many states allow the nonprofit sector to assist with child care costs. Several other organizations are available that help children with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. You can contact your area’s Department of Health and Human Services for more information.
Conclusion
After a cerebral palsy diagnosis, your child will be assessed and be provided with the appropriate health and therapeutic support to make a living with cerebral palsy as manageable as possible. A person’s medical needs may include appointments, medicines, counseling, and any equipment required to help them communicate and move. Therefore, parents and individuals can claim disability benefits and access more support through local authorities, charities, and the government to help ease financial strains.