The cost of raising a child without disabilities is in the US Department of Agriculture’s report The Cost of Raising a Child. The 2015 cost was $233,610 to raise a child to their 17th year. That excludes inflation and college. A disabled child changes the dynamic and adds costs and burdens across the whole family. The costs of raising a healthy child can easily double, or quadruple for a child with an IQ under 70. The CDC estimates 17% of children between ages 3 to 17 years have one or more developmental disabilities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have resources to help. To reduce risks to your child understand and start with the causes. A premature baby can be extremely expensive.   NICU costs at one child focused hospital are $6,500 to $8,300 daily, or $58,100 per week , and $249,000 per month. The CDC site also includes post birth milestones to track your child’s development and act early when you spot a problem.

Without adequate health insurance, you may need financial help. Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income helps children up to age 18. Start at the Disability Home page on the Social Security website. There is also a starter kit for a child with a disability. These are means tested programs.

An ABLE account isn’t subject to means testing. It grows tax deferred and if used for disability expenses it’s tax free. Annual contributions are up to $16,000 (or $28,880 for disabled with employment income). Anyone can contribute to them.   

If you can’t get medical insurance for a child through an employer and can’t afford it yourself using the ACA market, a parent, grandparent, guardian can apply on behalf of a child through the Insure Kids Now program. This site provides helpful access to low cost insurance and access to dental care with Medicaid and the CHIP program.