Occasionally we get requests from people who want to write guest posts. So, we are willing to post them if the content is good and it fits the spirit of the blog.
I recently was contacted by Molly Clarke who wrote a guest post that would be greatly helpful to parents who are looking into applying for Social Security. I hope this information is helpful, if you have any questions for Molly you can contact her at mac@ssdhelp.org or you can go visit her blog: Social Security Disability Help.
~bob
Childhood Communication Disorders and Disability Benefits
Human communication is a vital component of daily life. Being able to communicate both verbally and non-verbally allows us to inform others of our wants and needs, it allows us to share our thoughts and ideas, and it allows us to enjoy basic human companionship. Unfortunately, for a significant number of children, communication disorders make it difficult—even impossible—to speak.
Communication disorders can cause issues that impact the affected child as well as his or her parents. While some communication disorders can be corrected with therapy, others are more permanent and require lifelong treatment. Therapy, assistive devices, and specialty care can cause a significant financial burden.
If your child has been diagnosed with a communication disorder, he or she may be eligible for financial assistance in the form of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Although the SSD application process is known for being lengthy and overly complicated, benefits often provide a necessary lifeline for parents of children with communication disorders. Continue reading to find out if your family is eligible for assistance.
Childhood Disability
To qualify for any sort of financial assistance through the Social Security Administration (SSA), children must first meet the SSA’s definition of childhood disability. Taken from the SSA’s website, this definition is as follows,
A child under age 18 is disabled if he or she:
- Is not working at a job that is considered to be substantial work; and
- Has a physical or mental condition (or a combination of conditions) which results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” This means that the condition(s) very seriously limits his or her activities; and
- The condition(s) has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 1 year or is expected to result in death.
Medical Eligibility Requirements
In addition to meeting the SSA’s definition of childhood disability, your child will have to meet very specific medical regulations in order to qualify for SSD benefits. These regulations can be found in the SSA’s blue book. The blue book is an official manual of potentially disabling conditions and the medical criteria that qualifies each condition.
The SSA recognizes the following disorders as disabilities (Although some of these disorders are not traditionally considered to be communication disorders, many are characterized by issues with speech and communication):
- Autism (112.10)
- Personality disorders (112.08)
- Psychotic disorders (112.03)
- Organic mental disorders (112.02)
- Mood disorders (112.04)
- Hearing Impairment (102.10 or 102.11)
Children with communication disorders most commonly meet blue book listing 111.09- Communication Impairment Associated with a Documented Neurological Disorder. This listing requires that your child demonstrate the following symptoms:
- A documented speech deficit which negatively impacts the content and clarity of his or her speech; or
- A documented comprehension deficit that has resulted in ineffective verbal communication based on his or her age; or
- A documented hearing impairment.
It is important to note that if your child does not meet a specific listing he or she may still be able to qualify for SSD benefits if you can prove, using medical documentation, that he or she is not able to perform daily activities due to his or her communication disorder. To access all blue book listings, visit the SSA’s website, here: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm
Disability Benefit Programs
Although the SSA offers SSD benefits through two separate programs, children typically only qualify for SSI benefits. SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income and offers benefits to elderly or disabled individuals who earn very little income. Eligibility for SSI is based on an applicant’s income and financial resources. Because children do not earn income, they will undergo something called parental deeming. Essentially, parental deeming is the process of allocating a parent or guardian’s income and resources to the child.
Learn what types of income are counted toward parental deeming, here: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-deeming.htm
Start the Application Process
Because, the application process can take months to complete, you should prepare and apply for SSI as soon as possible—this way, you will receive a decision sooner. Prior to submitting your application, be sure to have copies of all relevant medical records to support your child’s claim. Without medical proof, the SSA will not approve your child’s claim. In addition to medical documentation, you should also be prepared to submit proof of income and citizenship.
Once you are thoroughly prepared, you can begin the process. This process will include two different forms— the “Application for SSI” and the “Child Disability Report”. Your child will also have to attend an in-person interview. Although the SSA has made it possible to complete the child disability report online, many parents prefer to fill out both documents at the time of their interview. Schedule your interview by calling the SSA’s main number: 1-800-772-1213.
After completing and submitting your child’s application, it may be months before you receive a decision and you should be prepared for the possibility of being denied. If your child’s claim is denied, this decision is not final. You can file an appeal within 60 days of receiving your notice of denial.
While this process is not simple, it is often necessary. Parents whose children qualify for SSI find that they can better provide for their children’s special needs with the assistance of Supplemental Security Income.
For more information about SSI, visit Social Security Disability Help or contact Molly Clarke at mac@ssdhelp.org.
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