Benefits for Kids With Learning Disabilities

If you are the parent of a child with learning disabilities, there are many things you need to take care of. You have more responsibilities than the average parent of a child without disabilities. It's good to know that there are benefits that can help you help your child.

  1. Tax Benefits

    • You may already know that there are tax benefits for parents of kids with learning disabilities. Maybe you are getting some already, or maybe you have been told you are eligible but you don't know what they are. Tax benefits come in two forms: deductions and credits. Deductions come off of your total taxable income and are usually based on your tax bracket. Credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability.
      The best way to know the current tax benefits is to check the current IRS publications and to seek advice from a tax professional. The tax benefits can vary from year to year, so you need to keep up with them to gather the biggest benefits.

    Social Security Income (SSI)

    • Some parents of kids with learning disabilities may be eligible for benefits in the form of Social Security Income or SSI. This is a program for people with disabilities who are also in a low income bracket. Learning disabilities can be classified under this program, but your child will be required to meet the criteria for the program. To see if your child is eligible for SSI, the SSI auditors need to do a full check into your income and all resources coming into the home.

    Disability-Related Scholarships and Awards

    • There are also scholarships and awards designed specifically for students with certain types of disabilities--both physical and learning-related. Sometimes they are funded by specific non-profit foundations. Examples include:

      • Incight Go Getter Scholarship by Incight. Call 971-244-0305 for more information.
      • Lime Scholarship by Google and Lime (see Resources for contact information).
      • Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award. Call 800-840-8844 for more info.
      • Student Award Program from the Foundation for Science and Disability, Inc. (see Resources).
      • Ann Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship from the National Center for Learning Disabilities (888-575-7373).
      • Anne & Matt Harbison Scholarship from P. Buckley Moss Society (540-943-5678).
      • Learning Through Listening Award from Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (609-452-0606).
      • Hydrocephalus Association (415-732-7040).

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