Disabilities do not discriminate with age. We understand that it may be a devastating reality when your child suffers from a disability. And as a parent, we understand that their healthcare needs may cause a great financial strain. This is why we recommend parents of children with disabilities take advantage of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Continue reading to learn how to obtain disability benefits for your child and how an experienced New Jersey SSD attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur can help you work through your application.
Is it possible to obtain disability benefits for my child?
Before you initiate your application for SSI benefits, you must confirm that the SSA recognizes your child’s disability as a qualifying physical or mental health impairment. Examples include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Your child suffers from a respiratory impairment (i.e., asthma or cystic fibrosis).
- Your child suffers from a behavioral disorder (i.e., anxiety or depression).
- Your child suffers from autism.
- Your child suffers from cancer.
- Your child suffers from a growth impairment.
- Your child suffers from a musculoskeletal condition.
- Your child suffers from an immune system disorder.
- Your child suffers from lost hearing or speech.
What other eligibility factors must I keep in mind?
Even if your child has a qualifying physical or mental health impairment according to the SSA, you must also prove that their impairment has lasted for 12 months or more; is expected to last 12 months or more; or is expected to result in death. This may be proven by supplementing your application with your child’s medical records; information on your child’s medications; or information on your child’s Individualized Education Program at school, among other documentation.
Next, you must ensure that you, and the other parent of your child, make up an income that falls below a certain threshold. That is, the SSA will use a formula that takes into account the following finances:
- The earned income of the child’s parents (i.e., the parents’ wages from an employer or from being self-employed).
- The deemed income of the child’s parents (i.e., part of the parents’ earnings).
- The sources of unearned income by the child’s parents (i.e., the parents’ government benefits or unemployment benefits).
- The sources of in-kind income by the child’s parents (i.e., the child’s discounted food or shelter).
With this, you may need to supply financial documentation alongside your child’s disability benefits application. This may entail copies of your tax returns, bank account statements, and any other documentation of your financial resources.
You must make a valiant effort toward obtaining disability benefits for your child. Reach out to a skilled New Jersey SSD attorney at The Law Offices of Sheryl Gandel Mazur to learn how to get started on your application.
