Lendingtree tracks the various costs to raise children at different ages. They reported that the 18-year cost of raising a child topped $300,000 based on 2024 data. That excludes 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 8.5% of children between aged 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. In 2019 NICU costs averaged from $50,000 to $100,000, higher if extended care or surgery are involved. 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 Disability Insurance provides Supplemental Security Income for children up to age 18. SSI for children may work with Medicaid for medical bills as well. Start at the Family benefits | SSA page on the Social Security website. These are means tested programs.

An ABLE account (a tax advantaged account for disabled people) 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 $20,000 and anyone can contribute to them. They are designed to compliment means tested programs and recognize the disabled people often face higher expenses.

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.