Parents in Ohio who have a child with an injury, illness or condition that they believe warrants an approval for Social Security disability through the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program, need to know the federal regulations. Understanding the rules for the child and the parents regarding SSD benefits is key, but it is also important to know that there are certain factors regarding the child's issues that might result in payments being made immediately as the case is being reviewed.
For a child to receive SSD benefits, he or she must meet the necessary requirements to be classified as having a disability and the need to receive SSI. The child cannot work and earn an amount greater than $1,130 each month in 2016. In general, the amount that can be earned changes annually.
The child is required to have a mental or physical condition or a combination of different conditions that cause them to have severe and marked functional limitations and will limit their activities. The issues must disable the child or result in disability for a minimum of 12 months or be expected to result in the child's death.
Some applicants have a disability or condition that will justify immediate payments. Normally, it will take between three and five months for the Social Security Administration to make a decision on whether or not to approve an application for a child to receive SSI. However, the payments can be made immediately and for a maximum of six months while the decision is being made if the child qualifies.
Some conditions that can result in benefits being provided immediately include: HIV, the child being totally blind or deaf, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, a severe intellectual disability for a child 7-years-old or older and a birth weight below 2 pounds and 10 ounces. If the immediate payments of SSI are made and the SSA denies the claim, the payments that were made prior to decision will not have to be repaid.
Having a child with an issue that is significant enough for parents to seek SSI benefits is difficult. Understanding the rules and regulations for applying and receiving benefits is an important factor in the process. In order to make certain that all the rules are followed and the application is submitted correctly, having help from an attorney experienced in seeking Social Security disability benefits is a wise decision. This could progress the process, helping an applicant avoid any delays or pitfalls.
Source: ssa.gov, "Benefits For Children With Disabilities, pages 5-6, 7-8," accessed on June 13, 2016
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