When people think of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, many people forget that children are eligible for these benefits, too. Many stories about disabilities focus on adults who survived accidents that led to lifelong impairments, whereas children tend to be associated with youth and wellness. However, there are thousands of cases where children were born with or later acquired a disability from genetics, an accident, or disease. Talk to a Pennsylvania Disability lawyer if you are looking to apply for disability benefits or have been wrongfully denied.
Down syndrome and autism are probably the most well-known disabilities in children. These are both believed to be caused by genetic defects that lead to cognitive or social impairments which can negatively impact a child’s ability to learn and develop friendships with other peers at school.
Common congenital disorders, caused by environmental factors in the womb, are intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and Fragile X syndrome. Cerebral palsy makes movement difficult, while fragile X syndrome causes intellectual disability. Intellectual disabilities make learning and remembering new things problematic. All of these disorders often lead to behavior problems.
Disabilities that develop after birth can negatively impact perception and bodily health. Various genetic and environmental factors can lead to hearing problems, hormone disorders, and heart irregularities. Common injuries after birth that can lead to disabilities are traumatic brain injuries. Infections and strokes may be common in adults, but these happen in children, too, which can cause brain damage.
The three main types of SSD benefits children can receive are for:
Disabilities since birth require your child to be over the age of 18 with a disability that started before the age of 22. The disability needs to have lasted at least 12 months with the exception of a disability with a strong possibility of death. You will be expected to provide evidence of a disability and an explanation for how the disability impairs mental or physical functioning. Since the purpose of disability benefits are to offer income for living, you will also need to demonstrate that your child is unable to hold a job.
Low-income households can be eligible for Childhood Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your child must be a minor and either diagnosed as blind or disabled to qualify. The same criteria for what defines a disability applies here.
Auxiliary benefits are offered to children with disabilities when a parent is receiving Social Security retirement or SSDI benefits. Your child must be under age 18 and can continue to receive benefits until graduation or two months after they turn 19.
Do not give up on receiving benefits if your application has been denied. An experienced Pennsylvania denied benefits appeal lawyer knows the various aspects and criteria for these types of applications and can help you figure out what went wrong. Call Edelstein & Nelson at (800) 300-0909 today for consultation. We will work with you and your physician to collect the evidence you need to have your application accepted.