IS MY CHILD ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS?
The parents of disabled children have many more burdens than the average adult. To help ease the financial strain childhood illnesses and disabilities can bring to a family, the federal government provides monthly cash payments to disabled children. If your child has been diagnosed with a serious disability or illness, your child and your family may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Your child may be eligible for SSI benefits if he or she is blind or disabled, younger than 18, and not married or the head of the household. Children younger than 22 who are students regularly attending school may also be eligible. A child must also meet the income and resources limits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
There is no minimum age requirement to be eligible for SSI benefits. In some cases, a child can begin receiving benefits at birth. Once a child reaches the age of 18, the SSA will reevaluate his or her medical condition based on the definition of blindness or disability for adults.
WHAT KIND OF BENEFITS COULD MY CHILD BE ELIGIBLE FOR?
Both your child’s income and your family’s income and resources will be evaluated when determining if your child is eligible for SSI benefits. This applies even if you child still lives at home or is away at school but returns home on occasion under your control.
If your child’s income or your family’s income and resources are more than the allowable limit, your child’s application for SSI benefits will be denied. The SSA will limit the monthly payment amount to $30 when a child is residing in a medical facility paid for by his or her health insurance.
Though many disabled children do not work at all, older children with disabilities are allowed to work so long as their income does not exceed $1,220 per month or more than $2,040 for older children with visual impairments. Both of these amounts typically change year over year.
Because SSI eligibility requirements for children usually mean that the child has limited income, many disabled children are also are eligible for their states Medicaid and children’s health insurance programs. These programs may help you and your family pay for the necessary treatment your child needs.
WHY CONSULT WITH US?
Whether you are in the initial application process, or have been denied and need to appeal the decision, our attorneys at Pasley, Nuce, Mallory & Davis, LLC, have extensive experience, knowledge, and training to handle your child’s disability claim. Contact us at any of our 4 office locations for a FREE case evaluation, and let our experience work for you.
