social security....

a co worker of mine has a child with a disability and says that you can apply for SS for your child. Is that true??

Re: social security....

Re: social security....

Yes, it's SSI.

But it is based on income. So you need a lower income to qualify.

I called them last year because some people told me "EVERYONE" was doing it. The lady on the phone was very nice. She called after my request for an appointment. I think that's how I had to do it.

She gave me the appointment and I asked questions and she essentially told me we did not quality because our income was too high. I ended up cancelling the appointment after our conversation. There was no need.

Def. worth a shot!!!!

Re: social security....

I applied for my son and he got denied because--are you ready (and these are there words not mine)
Autism is not a disability but a disorder. Based on his diagnosis he does not qualify until the age of 18 (pending the dx doesn't change)
I was baffled. Are you kidding me? Ugh every time I tell people there like whaatt. I didn't even get to the income part but we probably would have been knocked out. Sad.

Re: social security....

Re: social security....

I know right. Like how can you not consider ASD a disability when there under 18?????? My son can't talk, can't communicate, has NO self independence but that's only a stinken disorder. They said that he'd need a medical condition to qualify otherwise when your 18 and have these issues it becomes permant. It makes me sick. I was hoping to get something for him to get him extra services, that's all but nope..guess I'm on my own.

Re: social security....

They will always analyze on a case by case basis. Although there are a ton of rules and regulations, anyone with any disorder may win a claim depending on a variety of factors. Sometimes the denials are not worded properly but there is no diagnosis that is ruled out based on just the name of the diagnosis.

If at first you do not succeed, appeal, appeal, appeal! Personally, I do not believe that the people who make the initial decisions in NY state are very accurate but the chances for success increases if you ask for a hearing.

With childrens SSI there are 2 prongs. You have to prove both disability and financial need. Generally, the financial need prong is similar to the requirements to get public assistance. The idea that every child with a disability gets SSI is just not true. However, there are many who qualify and do not know to apply.

I've been able to walk a few people from the boards through the decision of whether to apply and/or whether to appeal a denial for a child, so feel free to contact me if you have questions. I don't charge for either answering questions or an initial office visit for SSD or SSI cases.

Message edited 12/13/2011 1:43:27 AM.