Tax question: I don't think I will be able to go back to work

[Ilsa]

because of my son's autism. Does anyone know of any special tax credit or extra exemption we can claim because of his autism?

[Kajsa]

1. Ilsa, does your son receive services from any state

or regional office in your area?

Here in CA, we have the Regional Center of CA, that services
people with disabilities and provides help/resources for their
families/ caregivers.

Any social service agency that works with our kids could point
you in the right direction to get help with this question.

Unfortunately, I don't know the answer.
When you find out, please let me know, as I have been in your shoes
many, many times. My son is now 22 years old and works part time.

I know many parents who can't work for this very reason.

Good luck, and please keep me posted.

:hug:

[Ilsa]

2. Thanks, no he's ten and gets school services, including

in-home-training, which they are behind on providing, but they are trying. Too often, the teachers doing the training are busy with their own kids after school.

I wish there was some additional exemption we could take, as if he was blind, etc.

Thanks for responding!

[bleedingheart]

4. does he get medicaid?

in Pennsylvania kids (no matter the parental income) qualify for medicaid if they are autistic or have disorders that require wrap-around treatment. The wrap around includes in home, in school and all kinds of therapy. They also get 100% medical, dental and eye coverage.

Every year this benefit is fought over but it has remained in place and I think PA is one of only a handful of states with this kind of service.

They also assess your finances and situation and if if you qualify you will receive other money, aid..etc

[lumberjack_jeff]

3. FWIW, I'm a stay-at-home dad.

Although there is no tax credit, per se, my son is eligible for state medical and with child tax credits, our effective tax rate is a negative number. Even without an earned income tax credit, we get a larger refund than our tax paid.

Staying at home with your son may not be as expensive as you fear.

[sam sarrha]

5. careful.. if you dont work for several years. i think 5 or 6 you'll lose all acrued Social Security

and end up with the minimum.. like $600 a month. you have to put money in it every once ina while to keep what you have acquired over the minimum..

[sam sarrha]

6. if you do not work an contribute to your SSI in 5 years you will lose it all and get the minimum

monthly amount.. careful