How Does SSI for Children in Greenville Work?

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The supplemental security income (SSI) for children program gives parents and guardians access to an additional resource that they may use to care for a disabled child. Dealing with childhood disabilities is an emotionally and financially-draining process. Knowing that some type of assistance is available (both financial and medical) can help the family get back on track when it comes to offering a child in need the best possible care.  SSI for children in Greenville depends on meeting the qualification criteria. SSI child disability comes with a few key requirements that will be examined in further detail in this guide.

SSI for Children – The Criteria for Receiving Child Disability Benefits

According to the official Supplemental Security Income website, several criteria have to be met for participation in the program.
A child is defined as an individual under the age of 18 who is not married or a head of the household or an individual under the age of 22 who is still attending school. There is no minimum age requirement. Once a child turns 18, disabilities will be assessed once again to determine whether they will qualify for disability assistance for adults.
SSI child disability benefits are provided to individuals who:

  • Are blind
  • Have a medical diagnosis of a physical or mental impairment that causes functional limitations
  • The impairment is chronic, or it could be expected to eventually cause death

There is no duration requirement for blind children who may receive benefits under the SSI child disability program. Children that are approved will be entitled to monthly disability payments. The payment will depend on location and whether the child has a countable income. As of the beginning of 2018, the federal base rate for SSI payments was 750 dollars per month.
Usually, this amount will be handed out to a payee. Both a parent and a guardian can serve as payees under the program. This individual has a couple of additional responsibilities on top of receiving the child disability benefits. These responsibilities include keeping track of the benefits being paid and spending the funds in the best possible manner on behalf of the child.
Usually, SSI funds are intended to be spent on the basic needs of a disabled child. Such basic needs include food, medical assistance, shelter, clothing, and items of personal necessity.

A More Thorough Look at Qualifying Disabilities

Greenville families that are taking care of disabled children may be wondering whether they qualify for SSI child disability benefits.
As far as blindness goes, the situation is pretty straightforward. What other conditions, however, will entitle Greenville families to this kind of federal assistance?
The Social Security Administration creates a standard manual that it updates on an annual basis. This document features a list of the medical conditions and disabilities that will qualify a family for assistance under the SSI for children program.
Some of the conditions included in the 2018 edition of the manual include the following:

  • Musculoskeletal problems that restrict mobility
  • Hearing loss
  • Neurological disorders like epilepsy
  • Autism, schizophrenia and other mental disorders
  • Sjogren’s Syndrome and Marfan Syndrome
  • Anemias and hematological disorders

A family does not have to meet these requirements strictly in order to be awarded disability benefits. As mentioned early, a medical report should suggest that the respective disability causes severe functional limitations, it is chronic, or it could potentially cause death. In such instances, a disability that is not listed in the guidebook can contribute to a successful SSI child disability application.

Get Legal Assistance to Increase the Strength of Your Application

A disability lawyer can help a family that is looking forward to receiving federal assistance under the SSI for children program.
The Social Security Administration does offer applying families some assistance, but there are specific situations in which consulting a lawyer will come in handy. Families that have been denied SSI benefits should definitely see an attorney. The administration’s decision can be appealed, and a successful appeal should be prepared carefully.
An attorney will know which medical tests, reports, and evaluations will yield satisfactory results when it comes to qualifying for SSI. An attorney will handle the entire process for you – from contacting school officials to obtaining relevant medical records.
We can guide you through the intricate application process and help you get the financial resources that are so important for the health and the well-being of your child. Please do not hesitate to contact us today and acquaint us with the specifics of the situation.

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