Are there any benefits for children of parents with mental illnesses?

[Julian's Momma]

Hi all,

Wondering if my 5 year old son is entitled to any financial benefits as a child of a parent with a mental illness.

Dad is bipolar (and is likely to be formally diagnosed with psychosis soon too).  However, dad is not a US citizen (he is a citizen of Canada and lives there as well) therefore cannot apply for disability here.

Are there any benefits or resources available for my son to assist since Dad is unable to contribute to the financial responsibilites of raising my child?

Any suggestions are welcome!  Thanks in advance!

Renee

[Toposlonoshlep]

I would say not, since he is not in the U.S. My DH is bipolar schizo-affective, and he is eligible for SSD. He uses part of his benefits to care for our son. If we were ever to go our separate ways, I would file a court order for child support, which would then come out of his SSD. So, if the father has any income, even if it is government-based, you can get child support court-ordered and your son would be entitled to a part of it.

[lauriebeth]

how did your BPD apply for SSD?  My DH also has BPD and it has severely affected his work