What are the financial implications of having a special needs child?

When you initially find out that you have a special needs child - there is absolutely nothing that can prepare you for the financial implications ahead.

The first step for the doctors will be to try and make and accurate diagnoses. In our case this involved various specialist consultations (none of which were located in our town), an extensive number of blood and urine tests, x-rays, CT and MRI scans, speech therapists, dieticians, occupational therapists, etc, etc, etc. Our first specialist consultation and MRI scan was on the 5th of August 2010 and on the 15th of August 2011 we eventually received a final and clear diagnoses (there are however still tests that need to be done and we will have to go back to the specialists for the interpretation of the results).

Needless to say, it has been a long and costly battle. The difficult thing is because of the fact that one is so emotionally involved you do not always think clearly about the financial implications. All you think about is the fact that you want the best for your child and if the next consultation, test and/or treatment can provide it; you do not even hesitate - it has to be done and you find a way.

In our case; it was actually one of my friends who asked me the one day – but can’t you register Miané’s diagnoses with the medical aid so that they will cover everything? That got me thinking and I immediately started talking to our broker. They have been very helpful to investigate and determine whether we will not be able to register the diagnoses under the prescribed minimum benefits list. We are currently with Medihelp and the consultants have also been very helpful. They have requested a letter from the treating physician which we will hopefully get today so that this can be finalized.

The treating physician also told me about the new benefit from SARS where you can register a disability and then claim any and all the expenses relating to the disability. I have to be honest – initially it was very difficult for me to get my head around registering Miané as being disabled. But stepping away from the situation and eliminating emotions for a minute; I realized that this could really help us. We can now reduce our taxable income with all these expenses and because of this, we will be able to afford the absolute best for her.

Believe me – it has been so difficult; making these decisions means that you acknowledge and accept the diagnoses.

We have not yet finalized everything – but I do not envision any problems. It has however been a huge relieve not to have to worry about the money; now we are able to focus on everything else which is actually important.