Ask Mike - Compensation for caring for a daughter with a chronic illness

Dear Mike,

I'm only 24 years old with a ... dependent child. It has been a struggle both mentally and financially. I worked for a period of 8 months but my supervisor couldn't seem to notice my dedication to work. I only missed 1 day out of the 8 month period. She had to discuss my daughters medical needs with other employees with out my consent. I had no choice but to quit I'm hoping you could answer this - can I be compensated due to my daughters chronic illness or is there anything that I can do at home. Please let me know. It feels like I'm never going to get past this.

Thank you,

Mom from New Mexico.

Dear Mom from New Mexico,

Thanks for writing. You have a daughter with a multiple developmental disabilities. You have had to stop working in order to be able to care for your daughter and want to know if there is any compensation available for this situation.

The PAS Center Website may be of assistance to you. It has information about how to pursue becoming a paid caregiver, as well as contact information for other resources that may be able to assist you such as assistance applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), for example.

Go to www.pascenter.org Next, point at "Caregivers and PAS Workers" located on the top tool bar of the homepage. A menu will drop down. Click on "Becoming a Paid Caregiver".

To look for help with Social Security benefits for your daughter and/or yourself, go back to the homepage. On the homepage, click on "State Information" located at the top of the left-hand menu. Next, click on "Agencies Related to PAS"; it’s the third selection from the top. Next, click on "New Mexico" on the map of the USA. The next menu has three selections you should try:

  1. "Protection and Advocacy Agency"
  2. "State Independent Living Council and Centers for Independent Living"
  3. "Aging and Disability Resource Centers"

The first two selections may be able to directly explain or even assist you with applying for benefits. Otherwise, either may be able to refer you to an organization that can assist you. Aging and Disability Resource Centers may be able to refer you to an organization or agency that can explain opportunities or apply for benefits.

Good luck!

Mike Oxford

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