Very often, we come across people who need help with Social Security benefits. It is upsetting to hear their struggles and frustrations with the system, especially when dealing with the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculation process. So, when we come across a professional who has the experience and know-how to navigate through the maze of the government, we have to sit up and take notice. That professional is Kathleen Dotoli, Esq. Kathy is truly a dedicated attorney who has mastered her craft. She was kind enough to provide some insight into these applications, as well as estate planning options for a special needs child. Please take note and call her if you or someone you know is struggling with obtaining these important benefits.
For further assistance, you might also consider consulting a qualified New Jersey Special Needs Trust Attorney, as they can provide additional guidance on Social Security benefits and estate planning for a disabled child.
Social Security Benefits for Disabled Children
We all know that Social Security benefits are available to senior citizens once they reach retirement age. But did you also know that disabled children and young adults may also receive benefits?
That’s right. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is there to help families with their children’s medical and financial needs through the disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs when a child is disabled at birth or as a result of an acquired condition later in life.
Application Process
To begin the inquiry, a parent or guardian must submit an application online or in person at a SSA office. Next, the SSA will review your child’s medical records to determine whether he or she fits the criteria for disability in conjunction with their “Blue Book” list of impairments. The criteria for determining disability in children is different and in some cases more lenient than it is for adults. For example, conditions such as ADHD, developmental disabilities, low birth weight and failure to thrive are qualifying disabilities in children, but not adults.
Qualifying Conditions
For children, the types of conditions that may result in an automatic qualification include respiratory disorders such as severe asthma and cystic fibrosis. Blood disorders leading to bone marrow failure, anemias, or thrombosis are another category that may qualify. Some cancers, such as neuroblastomas, lymphoma, leukemia, and thyroid cancers may be considered qualifying conditions as well. Digestive disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, limitations to the senses and speech such as blindness, skin disorders like severe burns or photosensitivity and neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and brain injury are also qualifying conditions.
Recently added, is a comprehensive mental health classification addressing neurocognitive disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, and intellectual disorders. Also added in 2017 is a broadened category of immune disorders including scleroderma, lupus, connective tissue disease, inflammatory arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and HIV infection. For a complete list of qualifying conditions, click here.
Once a qualifying condition is identified, the SSA will review how the condition impairs the individual seeking benefits. If SSA determines that the condition and its impact on the child rise to a certain level of disability in terms of daily function, the child will be granted benefits. If not, the decision can be appealed.
If you’re considering an application for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits for your child or need help with an appeal, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions on how to proceed. The advice is free and we don’t collect a fee unless we obtain benefits for your child.
| Qualifying Conditions | Examples of Conditions |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Disorders | Severe asthma, cystic fibrosis |
| Blood Disorders | Bone marrow failure, anemias, thrombosis |
| Cancers | Neuroblastoma, lymphoma, leukemia, thyroid cancers |
| Digestive Disorders | Inflammatory Bowel Disease |
| Sensory and Speech Limitations | Blindness |
| Skin Disorders | Severe burns, photosensitivity |
| Neurological Disorders | Cerebral palsy, brain injury |
