Children with Disabilities

Social Security Disability Benefits

Many people realize that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a branch of the federal government that provides the elderly and retired citizens with monthly checks. A little known fact, the SSA also distributes monthly compensation to disabled children and adults that have yet to turn 62. Social Security disability eligibility requires that the candidate be disabled, meaning that they have a medical problem preventing them from holding a job.

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) department will send your child monthly payments as long as they are under the age of 18, meet SSA's definition of disability, and earn an income that is not beyond the limits of eligibility. The value of an SSI check varies from one state to the next because some states will incorporate an additional amount into each payment. Contact your local social security office to find out more information regarding the total SSI payment that can be expected.

SSI disability factors

To be entitled to receive SSI, your child must meet the following disability prerequisites:

• The child must not have an occupation that pays in excess of $940 per month in 2008. If the child is working a job with high wages, they are not considered disabled. (Keep in mind that this earnings amount changes on an annual basis.)
• The child must suffer from a physical and/or mental disorder that causes "marked and severe functional limitations." In other words, the disorder(s) must put a serious damper on your child's ability to function.
• The child must have already been affected by the ailment for a year, or it must be expected to last a minimum of 12 months or end in death. If it can be determined that the child's affliction has not existed for at least 12 consecutive months and is not considered life-threatening, the child is not disabled under the conditions of SSI.

Special information regarding child's condition

When applying for child disability benefits, the SSA will need a detailed description of the child's medical condition and the impact it has on day-to-day activities. They will also request that any medical professionals, teachers, therapists, etc. send vital information about the child's problems for review. If you happen to have your child's health or scholastic records in your possession, bring them to your appointment to expedite the process.

What's next?

Every piece of data is sent to your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, where physicians and other expert staff members will evaluate the records and conclude whether your child is indeed disabled. If the DDS is unable to make a determination using the facts they've compiled, they may request that your child submit to a medical exam. The exam will be paid for by the SSA.

If you would like assistance with your SSA dealings, a Florida social security disability lawyer is ready to help.