financial struggles of families with special needs children
- Dani DuBois
- Dec 4
- 2 min read
Note: The resources linked here will be specific to Pima County/Tucson, but if you're reading this, it might give you other ideas in your area.
Families with special needs children encounter financial struggles that traditional methods of budgeting might not work well for. For example, homemade food might be more affordable, but when you have a child who only eats certain things (and they are usually processed because consistency is key), home cooking may not be an option. Ideally, one's therapist should be covered by their insurance, but sometimes that isn't a good fit and paying out of pocket is the only option for someone that can bond with your child. Electricity might be higher because lights or specialized equipment needs to be on all the time. Water might be higher because of increased laundry demands, or a bath is the only thing that soothes your little one and they have to take 3 or 4 a day. We're certainly spending more in gas for the multitude of therapy and doctor's appointments. These are little expenses, but when you start adding them up, they put an additional strain on families already taxed with physical, financial and emotional demands.
It is a packed topic, and so much could be said, but instead, here is a list of resources in our area that provide emergency help. It is not inclusive - just some things I have come across. They all require some sort of application. Some are for people in the DDD system and if you are not in the system, consider whether you should be. If it all seems too overwhelming, talk to a friend, talk to your family, talk to your church or work colleagues. Ask for someone to help navigate these sites and requests. Two people sitting down with laptops and coffee can achieve so much more than one stressed out person trying to wade through it all alone.
Also, don't forget our local Foodbank of Southern Arizona and Borderlands' Produce On Wheels With Out Waste (P.O.W.W.O.W.) Program.
For a list of the local DDD services:
Pima County Services:
This link will provide a list of other providers:
Local agencies that I have heard of providing emergency assistance:
Findhelp can connect you with local food pantries and meal programs. You can also find resources for housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
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