Understanding Social Security Income for Disabled Children
Are you a parent who is struggling to support a severely disabled child? If so, then help may be available. If your child is younger than 18 years and meets the criteria outlined by Social Security in their definition of disabled children, then your child may qualify for Supplemental Security Income, or Social Security Income for short.
In establishing eligibility to receive Social Security Income the first question to consider is,’ what guidelines are used to govern Social Security’s definition of ‘disabled children’’? According to www.ssa.gov your child must suffer from a severe mental or physical condition that markedly limits his or her ability to function normally. In addition, the disability must be expected to last for more than one year or be expected to lead to death. If your child meets these criteria then your child is considered ‘disabled’.
The next step in applying for Social Security Income for your child is ensuring that your child does not earn more than $980.00 monthly. In addition, your child’s total income and resources, as well as the income and resources of other household members will be used to determine your child’s eligibility for aid.
When applying you must also arm yourself with copies of your child’s medical and school records and be fully informed on your child’s disability and how it affects his or her life on a daily basis. Be prepared to give permission for caregivers such as doctors and therapists, to release information about your child to the relevant personnel, as this is vital in the establishment of medical history and aid eligibility. Once these documents have been made available the application will be turned over to the Disability Determination Services in your state, which may require your child to undergo a medical examination, at no cost to you.
While it takes an average of three to five months for the state to determine your child’s eligibility, some conditions will be awarded immediate aid. If it is subsequently determined that the child does not qualify for this assistance you will not be required to repay the funds already paid to you. Some conditions to which this applies includes HIV, Down syndrome, total blindness and/or total deafness, severe mental retardation, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and low birth weight below 2 pounds 10 ounces.
Once you are equipped with the necessary information and documents, you are ready to apply. You can complete the Child Disability Report online at www.ssa.gov/disability , after which you may then contact the Social Security office at their toll free number 1-800-772-1213, and make an appointment to speak to a representative and have your case reviewed.