Funding Made Easier 

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Families raising children with special needs often face financial, medical, and caregiving challenges that require extra support. These resources provide a comprehensive list — from government benefits like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare that help cover living and healthcare costs, to Medicaid waivers and caregiver compensation programs that make it possible for children to receive quality care at home.

 

Additional supports such as housing assistance and SNAP ensure families’ basic needs are met, while grants and nonprofit programs offer funding for therapies, equipment, education, and even joyful experiences. Together, these resources help families reduce stress, improve stability, and focus on what matters most—

the growth and well-being of their child.

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LISS Funding - Maryland Specific

 

This is a lottery grant program that provides families with funding of up to $2,000/year. It is easy to apply. Simply go to: https://pcis.health.maryland.gov/liss-service/apply and complete the form. Lottery selection takes place two times per year roughly July 15th and November 30th. If you are selected for funding, you will need to provide diagnosis documentation, proof of residency, and an invoice of what you would like paid for your child. For more information check out:  https://health.maryland.gov/dda/pages/liss.aspx ...

and GOOD LUCK!!

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GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

 

There are three main types:

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INCOME 

 

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly financial support to children and adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources. It helps cover basic living costs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Eligibility is based on financial need rather than work history.  Learn more: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) provides income to individuals who have a qualifying work history or to dependents of a parent who has paid into Social Security. Benefits are based on prior earnings and are designed to replace income lost due to disability.  Learn more: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability
 

INSURANCE 
 

Medicaid offers health insurance to individuals and families with limited income, including many children and adults with disabilities. It often covers comprehensive services such as therapies, in-home supports, and long-term care that other insurance plans may not.  Learn more: https://www.medicaid.gov/

Medicare provides health insurance primarily for adults over age 65, but it also covers younger individuals who have received SSDI benefits for at least two years. It helps pay for hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription medications.  Learn more: https://www.medicare.gov/

 

OTHER SUPPORTS

 

State Medicaid Waivers
State Medicaid waivers allow states to offer long-term care and support services differently from the usual Medicaid rules, so people with disabilities can live in their homes or communities rather than in institutions. These waivers may include coverage for personal care, home modifications, respite, and support staff.
 

• Federal list of active programs: https://www.medicaid.gov/; search state waivers
   

• Maryland programs: Maryland.gov; search DDA Medicaid Waiver
   

• Home and Community-Based Waivers (Maryland):  Maryland.gov; search Home and Community-Based Services
   

Family / Caregiver Compensation

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Some states offer programs that compensate family members or caregivers for providing day-to-day care—helping with personal care, supervision, and medication management. These are often part of Medicaid or waiver programs under titles like “consumer-directed services.”
Federal overview:  https://www.usa.gov; search “get paid as a caregiver.”

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Maryland program: https://aging.maryland.gov; search “National Family Caregiver Support”

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Housing Assistance

Housing assistance includes:
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program – HUD.gov
Public Housing Program – HUD.gov
General housing help – USA.gov Housing Resources

 

SNAP  (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - Often called food stamps, SNAP provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy groceries. Learn more:  https://www.fns.usda.gov/; search SNAP.

 

Grant and Other Resources

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• ACT (Autism Care Today) - up to $5K.  Accepts grants to help with therapies, equipment, and services. Grant closes 10/18.
  https://www.act-today.org
   

• Apraxia-Kids.org - Awards iPads to children 18yrs or younger.   Grant closes 11/3.
  https://www.apraxia-kids.org/
   

• Autimazing.org - $1,000 for ages 13-30yrs old.  Grants to help with higher education, job training, job placement, or entrepreneurship (business) needs.  Spring and Fall Deadlines.
  https://autismazing.org/grants
   

• Federal Grants – a wide variety grants available not specific to special needs, but some…
  https://www.federalgrants.com/Agency/Administration-for-Children-and-Families.html
   

• Growing Book by Book – free resources supporting reading including read-alongs. 
  https://growingbookbybook.com
   

• ModestNeeds.org – avg $750-$1,250.  Self-sufficiency grants helping those living paycheck-to-paycheck.  https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants/grants/self-sufficiency-grants
   

• Mommy Speech Therapy – A plethora of free games and speech therapy worksheets.
  https://mommyspeechtherapy.com

• My Gym Foundation - $500 to be used for rehabilitative therapy, My Gym classes, assistive devices, medical equipment, and sensory items.
  www.mygymfoundation.org
   

• Speech Therapy – A plethora of free games and speech therapy worksheets.
  https://mommyspeechtherapy.com
   

• National Autism Association – Safety oriented with a free Big Red Safety Box.  Many toolkits and tips including a Teacher Toolkit and Grandparent Guide. 
  https://nationalautismassociation.org
   

• Pathfinders for Autism – free resources supporting safety, therapies and treatments, and understanding insurance.
  https://pathfindersforautism.org
   

• Sunshine Foundation – grants your kiddo’s wishes customized to anything they desire. Some of the more common special dreams are outdoor play equipment, shopping sprees, family trips, adaptive medical or therapeutic equipment, as well as electronics.
  https://sunshinefoundation.org/special-dreams/
   

• TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) –Scholarships for medical care and treatment not covered by insurance. 
  Grant deadline 10/31.
  https://tacanow.org/what-we-do/scholarships
   

• UHCCF (United Healthcare Children’s Foundation) – up to $5K.  Children 16 years or younger.  Help with medical expenses not covered, or not fully covered, by their family’s commercial health insurance.  Grant reviewed monthly. https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/

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Resources confirmed and updated October 2025

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