Your child under age 18 can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if he or she meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability for children, and if his or her income and resources fall within the eligibility limits. To qualify for SSI, the child must meet all of the following three requirements:
- The child must not be working and earning more than $980 a month (for 2009). Please note that this earnings amount changes every year.
- The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, that limit your child’s activities.
- The child’s condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months; or must be expected to result in death.
In the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security manual (also known as the Blue Book), The Social Security Administration provides a comprehensive listing of children’s disorders under the following categories:
- Growth Impairment Disorders
- Musculoskeletal System Disorders: includes joint dysfunction, spinal disorders, amputations, severe fractures, soft tissue injury
- Special Senses and Speech Disorders: includes blindness, hearing impairments, etc.
- Respiratory System Disorders: includes chronic pulmonary insufficiency, asthma, Cystic Fibrosis
- Cardiovascular System Disorders: includes chronic heart failure, heart transplants, recurrent arrhythmias, congenital heart disease
- Digestive System Disorders: includes chronic liver disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), short bowel syndrome (SBS), malnutrition, liver transplants
- Genitourinary System Disorders: includes impairment of renal function, Nephrotic Syndrome, congenital genitourinary impairments
- Hematological Disorders: includes Hemolytic Anemia, sickle cell disease, inherited coagulation disorder
- Skin Disorders: includes Ichthyosis, Bullous disease, chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes, dermatitis, genetic photosensitivity disorders, burns
- Endocrine System Disorders: includes thyroid disorders, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, diabetes insipidus, juvenile diabetes mellitus, hyperfunction of the Adrenal Cortex, Adrenal cortical insufficiency, Pituitary Dwarfism, Adrenogenital Syndrome, hypoglycemia
- Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems: includes non-mosiac down’s syndrome, catastrophic congenital abnormalities or diseases
- Neurological Disorders: includes major motor seizure disorder, nonconvulsive Epilepsy, brain tumors, motor dysfunction, Cerebral Palsy
- Mental Disorders: includes organic mental disorders, Schizophrenic disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, mental retardation, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychoactive substance dependence disorders, Autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Malignant Neoplastic Diseases: includes malignant solid tumors, Lymphoma, Leukemia, Retinoblastoma, brain tumors, Neuroblastoma
- Immune System Disorders: includes systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic vasculitis, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), polymyositis, dermatomyositis, undifferentiated and mixed connective tissue disease, immune deficiency disorders, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, inflammatory arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome
At the Law Offices of Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., we are experienced in handling social security disability claims for children. We understand what the SSA is looking for when evaluating claims, and are here to be your tough advocates regardless of the level of your appeal.
We also realize that this is a difficult time, and are here to answer your questions. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today.
