Most people think of disability benefits if they are unable to work. But for parents of children with disabilities, Social Security can pay money to assist with medical bills and treatments. A knowledgeable Social Security disability attorney can help a family with the extensive paperwork and proceedings.

The following is a partial list of disabilities that may entitle a child to payments: autism, Down’s syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, HIV, blindness and deafness, and other cardiovascular and brain diseases. The disability must limit the child’s daily life and functioning and last more than one year. Each case is different and presents unique challenges, with some conditions resulting in an automatic award. In addition, parents must have limited income and resources to qualify.

Children’s disability benefits are difficult to be awarded, so it is important to have an aggressive law firm when applying or appealing a disability decision. An estimated 791,954 children receive Social Security benefits, with an average of 51.5 percent dealing with extremely severe medical conditions. A good attorney will help their client collect the child’s medical and school records. Social Security will also want information from the child’s doctors, therapists, or any other professionals who are aware of his or her condition. Sometimes, even other family members and daycare providers are interviewed by Social Security.

Depending upon the child’s age and the parent’s work history, there are two possible Social Security programs that a child may qualify for. Supplemental Security Income is for children under the age of 18 who meet the disability requirements and live with parents who have limited income and resources. The second is Social Security Disability Insurance for children over the age of 18 who have a severe disability that began before the age of 22.

Robert Alston

Robert developed a passion for helping people at a young age. His parents instilled in him the importance of taking care of family and friends, no matter the need. Robert’s Dad, a WWII Vet, provided for his family working with cattle and in citrus harvesting. Working alongside of his dad, Robert learned to appreciate the value of hard work, doing a job well, and the importance of helping others.