Retirees With Adult Children Who Are Disabled

Having a child with a disability can bring unique opportunities for growth and learning, for both the child and the entire family.
Retirees With Adult Children Who Are Disabled
While challenging, having a disabled child can foster greater empathy, adaptability, and family bonding.AnnGaysorn/Shutterstock
Tom Margenau
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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.

Tom Margenau
Tom Margenau
Author
Tom Margenau worked for 32 years in a variety of positions for the Social Security Administration before retiring in 2005. He has served as the director of SSA’s public information office, the chief editor of more than 100 SSA publications, a deputy press officer and spokesman, and a speechwriter for the commissioner of Social Security. For 12 years, he also wrote Social Security columns for local newspapers, and recently published the book “Social Security: Simple and Smart.” If you have a Social Security question, contact him at [email protected]