Supplemental Security Income is available for children up to 18 years of age.
The Social Security Administration provides Child Disability benefits for children up to age 18 for children with physical or mental conditions that very seriously limit their activities, and for whom these conditions have lasted or are expected to last at least one year. These benefits are called SSI benefits, and they are available for those families with little or no income and resources. When evaluating your eligibility for SSI, SSA will consider things you own, such as cash, bank accounts, land, life insurance, personal property, and vehicles. Typically, the home you live in, household goods, one vehicle, and $2,000 for one parent and $3,000 for two parents are not considered when evaluating your resources.
To apply for Child SSI benefits, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a SSA representative will help you through the process. You can also go in person to your local Social Security Office and as to file an SSI application on behalf of your child. To find your local office, visit the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
Once you submit your application, Disability Determination Services will consider your child’s medical history, school records, and any other relevant evidence and issue you a written decision in the mail. This Initial decision can take several months. If you are denied benefits, and many claimants are denied at this point, you will have 60 days to submit your appeal. Your child’s application will again be considered, and you will receive a Reconsideration decision in the mail. Many SSI claimants do have to appeal a second time and request an administrative hearing before they are awarded benefits. For this reason, it can be extremely helpful to find an attorney that handles Social Security Disability cases and can help guide you through this process.
The Deuterman Law Group is excited to be partnering with Avery’s Angels to provide some assistance to gastroschisis families with questions about SSI. Our offices are located in Greensboro and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and we specialize in Social Security Disability, Workers’ Compensation, and Personal Injury. While we do recommend that you seek representation in your own state, if you have questions or concerns about SSI benefits, you can contact our office at [email protected] and we will do our best to answer your question or point you in the right direction for further help. We look forward to working with
Avery’s Angels!
Christine M. Deaver
Attorney at Law