Raising a child with a physical or mental disability can be incredibly difficult. Disabled children need specialized medical care, services, and supplies, yet the costs associated with providing the necessary support can significantly impact a family’s finances. Luckily, there are Supplemental Security Income payments (SSI) available for children under 18 who qualify as disabled under the law. SSI payments can offer much needed assistance to help cover the expenses of raising a child with special needs, easing the financial burden on the entire family.
Applying For Social Security Benefits for Children in Arkansas
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) handles all claims for Social Security disability benefits. SSI benefits are only eligible for applicants that meet specific criteria. Eligibility depends on whether the minor child is disabled according to SSA’s definition and if their household meets a low-income requirement. The Social Security’s Administration’s definition of disability requires the following:
- The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
- The disabling condition(s) must have lasted, or is expected to last, at least 1 year
In addition to meeting the SSA’s definition of disability, a child and their household must meet the low income and resource criterion. As SSI has strict income and resource limits, as part of the application the family (meaning the qualifying child in addition to all of the family members living in the same household) must provide their sources of income and all relevant financial information. The SSA will then assess this information based upon the Deeming Eligibility Chart for Children to determine if a child is able to collect benefits. If the applicant’s income and resources are more than the amount allowed by SSA, the application for SSI benefits will be denied.
What To Do If Your Child’s SSI Application Is Denied
Just because your child may be eligible for SSI benefits, does not mean that the SSA will automatically approve your application. If your SSI application was denied, do not lose hope because there are still options. After an SSI claim denial, you can:
- File a “Request for Reconsideration” at your local Arkansas Social Security Administration office
- Schedule a hearing to appear before an Administrative Law Judge
- File an Appeal
Sometimes applications are denied not based on the merits but because there were errors or lack of information provided. Regardless of the reason for the denial, it is recommended to seek advice from an Arkansas Social Security attorney. Your legal team can then make the best decision how to proceed with your case.
Can My Adult Child Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Yes, a disabled adult child may qualify for SSI benefits in certain circumstances. Usually, SSI benefits will last until age 18, or age 19 in situations where the child is still in high school. However, if an adult child has a SSA qualifying disability that started before they turned 22, they still may be eligible to receive SSI payments as an adult.
At L. Jennings Law, we have helped many clients get assistance from social security disability benefits. Contact us if you are in a situation where you are caring for a disabled adult child and want to receive help. We will diligently work to prepare a successful application on your behalf.
Have An Arkansas Social Security Disability Lawyer on Your Side to Ensure Success
If you are a parent or guardian of a disabled child in Arkansas, then it is critical to receive the Social Security disability benefits that they need and are entitled to. This will help provide for the necessary medical care, education, and special supplies they might need to live in comfort. The social security application process can be complicated, so it is best to seek advice from an Arkansas SSI attorney that to ensure you have a successful application. In addition, we can help you with all areas of estate planning, so you can feel confident that your child be provided for in case something happens to you. Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure Social Security disability benefits for your disabled child.
