When a child has an impairment that is expected to last for at least one year, as a parent, you may consider pursuing the supplemental security income disability program. When a child is under 18 and has a disability or medical condition, parents may need financial assistance for children’s care, such as personal and medical needs. This is often necessary when children have special needs. To ensure the benefits that your child is in need of, there will be several steps to take. While there are many reasons to consider disability benefits for a child, the process can be overwhelming. In some cases, it may be appropriate to seek counsel from a lawyer for help.
Steps to Take
When a child has a disability that may qualify for supplemental security income, parents or guardians can pursue the application process with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Benefits are paid out monthly to help with basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care. Consider taking the following steps to initiate the process:
- Gather all necessary information that will need to be supplied: social security card, birth certificate, proof of income, bank statements, medical documentation, including treatment, doctors seen, and prescriptions taken. You may also need to provide the names and phone numbers of providers who can provide information.
- Request a child disability start kit from the SSA; this can help you prepare for the process and familiarize yourself with what comes next.
- Complete the child disability report; this is the application process for requesting disability. For those with access to the Internet, they can complete an online application.
- At some point, the SSA will conduct a childhood disability interview, which may include a medical exam. During this interview, you will need to be prepared with all of the necessary documentation that you have gathered.
As long as a child has a medical condition that qualifies for disability, their families may have access to disability until they reach 18. Once a disability has been approved, the Social Security Administration will conduct a redetermination every one to six years.
When to Call a Lawyer
There are many reasons a child under 18 may need disability benefits. These benefits can start as early as birth and may leave parents to shoulder the incredible weight of medical expenses and additional care. While, in some cases seeking disability benefits may be straightforward, it can be incredibly cumbersome. If your child has a disability and your claim has been denied, it can be incredibly disheartening. A lawyer with experience may be the right step to take towards reaching a favorable resolution. They will work to understand the reasons for the denial and assist in providing additional evidence that may be needed or take further action if necessary.
For someone to receive SSI, those in the household must have limited resources and need SSI. However, it’s essential to be aware that if your child didn’t qualify when they were under 18, it doesn’t mean that they are ineligible as an adult. To learn more about disability for children, initiate the process, or troubleshoot challenges, contact experienced social security disability lawyers, like from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, for support.