The birth of a child with special needs, a child's serious illness or an accident that harms the health of a child are huge life-changing situations and would be challenges for any parent.
In the case of children up to 16 years of age, the severity of the disability is assessed according to the additional need for auxiliary assistance, guidance and supervision, resulting from the health condition. Simply put, children with special needs are distinguished by how much support and help they need from adults compared to their healthy peers. As a rule, the severity of a disability is not detected in newborns, since newborns need round-the-clock assistance. However, there are health conditions where special needs can be assessed and diagnosed even at birth or during the first days of life. The nature and severity of the disability generally become clear during the child’s development. Based on the health data, it can be analysed together with advice from a doctor on whether it would be necessary to apply for the determination of the degree of disability.
Applying for the determination of the degree of disability and social benefits
To determine the degree of a child’s disability and to receive support for a disabled child, apply to the Social Insurance Board. It is also possible to apply for support services for disabled children. The legal representative (a parent or a guardian) or the parent of a foster family of a severely or profoundly disabled child of up to (and including) 17 years of age, whose residence, as well as the child’s residence, are registered in the Republic of Estonia, have the right to do so.
Read more about applying and the support services and subsidies for a disabled child here.