After finding out the news from your doctor or another medical source that your child has a developmental delay or growth problems, you might be wondering whether your child could qualify for disability benefits. Medical and other expenses related to caring for a child with developmental issues can add up. With the disability benefits program, sponsored by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you have the option to seek financial assistance. To learn more about how to apply for disability benefits, be sure to talk to a Pennsylvania disability lawyer. 

What Does the SSA Mean by a Failure to Thrive?

The SSA has specific definitions of what counts as a childhood disability when it comes to their Blue Book listing on what disabilities are covered by disability benefits. A failure to thrive involves two main components, your child’s weight and the presence of a developmental delay. The weight requirements depend on your child’s age:

• Birth to the age of two: three weight-for-length measurements less than an amount indicated on a table provided by the SSA.
• Age of two to three: Body Mass Index (BMI) less than a certain amount indicated by the SSA.

Figuring out these measurements can be difficult and may require the help of a medical professional. If you are unsure about whether your child matches the weight requirements, be sure to consult with a disability lawyer. There are two main types of developmental delays that could meet the second requirement for a failure to thrive:

• Standardized assessment reveals a developmental delay that is less than two-thirds the level for your child or a score that lies below a predetermined average
• Two developmental reports, conducted 12o days apart, reveal your child’s development is less than two-thirds the expected level

How Do I Qualify My Child for Disability Benefits?

Qualifying your child for disability benefits might be one of the hardest steps in the application process, followed by filling the application out itself. The steps for qualifying for disability benefits are straightforward, make sure your child meets all the requirements set by the SSA and make sure your child’s condition matches the SSA listing. 

First, your child must have a mental or physical disability that hinders their ability to function in the same way as other children their age. This disability must also meet the specifications laid out in the Blue Book listing you are filing under. Your child must be under the age of 18 and their income must be under a certain amount that differs by each state. Lastly, your child’s disability must be expected to last a year. 

Disability Benefits Attorney in Pennsylvania 

Navigating through the tedious and complicated disability benefits application process is often stressful. Consider hiring a Pennsylvania individual disability insurance lawyer if you have encountered problems while filing for disability benefits. Call Edelstein & Nelson at 1-800-300-0909 today for a consultation. One of our disability insurance lawyers will guide you through the process and help you work through potential obstacles.