Whenever I see a parent with a disabled child, it tugs at my heartstrings. On the one hand, I can’t imagine the hardships they must face almost every day. I think of our neighbors—a retired couple our age (in their 70s) whose only child is a 40-year-old son with cerebral palsy. So much of their lives seems to revolve around the care of their son.
On the other hand, I’ve heard from readers who tell me that having a child with a disability can offer unique opportunities for growth and learning, both for the child and the family. While it can be challenging, there are benefits to be found in the increased empathy, adaptability, and family bonding it can foster. Additionally, there are various financial and support systems available to help families navigate these challenges. Today, I’m going to talk about one of those support systems: Social Security.