Child Disability - Autism - Change in CS?

[StepMommyNC]

What is the name of your state? NC

My husband's daughter has just been diagnosed with Autism. The birthmother is collecting child support for both of my husband's children. I have a few questions:

1. Is the birthmother going to receive any checks from social security, disability or any other government agency because her child is disabled and how much money will it be?

2. In case she will receive money for the disabled child, would that have any influence on my husband's child support amount since her income would change? Or will my husband have to pay even more child support because his daughter is disabled?

Thanks for your replies.

 

[stealth2]

It's hard to say. I have a friend whose son has recently been diagnosed with ADD & Aspergers. She gets nothing from the state at this point. I believe Dad was ordered to either care for the child or provide for part of the childcare required for her to be able to work (the free afterschool care provided by the school district is unable to handle him).

I'd suggest Dad trying to talk to her about what changes might be necessary/possible for the benefit of the child. I'm not talking just financial, but I know the toll it's all taken on my friend (she has a difficult relationship with her ex, for any number of reasons) as she has been pretty much the sole caregiver for this son. I'm sure his main concern is the well-being of his child.

 

[MandyD]

I agree, it is hard to say. My 14 year old is ADHD and also has Asperger's. He collects nothing from the state...yet. Autism has many many levels. Much will depend on how badly this child is affected. Right now, my son's Asperger's doesn't rise to the level of disability, but then he's not attempting to make it in the work force either. I've had to home-school him for that past year and a half. He's going back to regular school this year and we'll see how he does. Whatever the outcome, I'm sure both parents only wish the best for their child. If she does get help from the state, it's because her special needs warrant it. I doubt that his CS would be lowered in that case.

I would suggest you and your husband learn all you can about Autism. There are many ways you can help her and she's going to need all the help she can get.

Good luck.

 

[StepMommyNC]

I have researched a little bit and found these websites and autism is listed under the common disabilities on the first site. On the bottom it says "The above conditions are only a few common disabilities. Benefits may or may not be awarded because of disabilities due to the above conditions".

http://www.social-security-disability.net/

Here is another interesting website about US government financial aid / direct and indirect support for families with disabilities:

http://www.patientcenters.com/autism/news/financial.html#us