When young children have disabilities, they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Parents need to understand what makes their children eligible and what they need to do to receive these benefits.
Children may receive disability benefits for several different conditions. According to the Social Security Administration, children might be eligible for Social Security Disability if they have muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome. Children who are completely deaf or blind may also qualify for these benefits. Sometimes a low birth weight may allow children to receive these benefits.
How long do children receive benefits?
The SSA usually reviews a child’s situation every few years. This allows the administration to determine if children still need the benefits. A child with low birth weight, for example, may not need these benefits once he or she gets older. Sometimes the SSA reviews a child’s condition even if the condition is permanent. In this situation, parents have to demonstrate that their child regularly receives the necessary treatment.
What information do parents need to provide?
When parents apply for disability benefits for their children, they need to supply information about their child’s condition. According to the Social Security Administration, people need to include medical records that list the kind of treatment a child receives. Parents should also write down which medications their child takes. If a child has an Individualized Education Program at school, parents also need to include information about this plan.
Parents also have to provide information about their financial resources. They may need to bring copies of their tax returns and bank account statements so the SSA can determine what kind of resources the family can access.