SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers

Social Security for Children in Decatur, IL

Social Security for children in Decatur, IL. Caring for a child with disabilities is not only mentally challenging, but it may be economically burdensome as well. The United States provides a safety net for those who are income eligible that allow them to afford things to help raise the child, like educational expenses, skilled nursing assistance, home modification costs, medical treatments, medical equipment, and more.

At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers in Decatur, IL, know that figuring out how to properly file for Social Security is time-consuming and overwhelming on top of already caring for a child that has many needs. Allow us to handle everything while you take care of your child and the rest of your family. Let us help you apply for Social Security for children, appeal a denial, or any other type of problem you may encounter during the process. Contact our team or call 800-842-0426 for a free claim evaluation.

Filing for Social Security Benefits for Children in Decatur, IL

Getting Social Security for children benefits requires significant evidence as well as specialized or additional testing. We can help you fill out the Child Disability Reports and all of the initial applications. Also, it’s crucial to save all documentation from doctors and teachers that address your child’s special needs, conditions, and side effects. We’ll help you gather all pertinent documents and present them to the SSA to demonstrate the child’s need for benefits.

There are a few options for children—both young and old— to support their needs as they age.

These federal programs include, but are not limited to:

• SSI for children – This may be needed when there is not enough work credits on behalf of the disabled child.
• SSDI for adult children of deceased or disabled parents – This may be needed when a disabled child over 18 years of age is reliant on a parent that is now disabled or has passed away.

A majority of claims are denied at first because many people make mistakes when applying. Our lawyers can help you avoid these errors to ensure you begin getting the benefits you need to keep your child and family healthy.

SSI for Children in Decatur, IL

The Social Security Disability program may be able to help disabled people, but there is a stipulation that you must have work credits built up to be eligible. Children do not have the opportunity to pay into the system, but that does not mean that their families do not need the additional help. This is why the government offers help in the form of Supplemental Security Income. SSI provides benefits to those who don’t have a work history but need medical and financial assistance.

The qualifications include:

• Under the age of 18 – this includes children, stepchildren, adopted children, or grandchildren
• OR under the age of 19 – if the child is attending elementary or secondary school full-time
• Disability – The condition must limit the child’s abilities and must be expected to last for a minimum of 12 months or be chronic. Conditions include mental (i.e. significant learning disability, low IQ, depression, autism, drug dependence) and physical (i.e. cystic fibrosis, heart transplant, cancer, visual and hearing loss, paralysis, amputations)
• Limited/no income – The child is in the care of and living with a family that has limited resources.

If the child has been approved for and receiving SSI benefits before turning 18-years-old, his or her condition will have to be reevaluated by the Social Security Administration to determine whether or not they are still considered disabled as an adult. This is why having an experienced SSI for children lawyer in Decatur, IL, on your side from the very beginning is critical.

Social Security Disability for Adult Children Decatur

When a young person with a disability reaches the age of 18, the program can shift dramatically, so you need to prepare them and yourself so that you do not suffer any interruptions in benefits.

Adult children may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they are unmarried, lost their parents, or if those parents are retired or claiming disability benefits themselves. Eligibility is based on the parent’s earnings record.

The regulations surrounding SSDI benefits are different than those governing the SSI program. These requirements include:

• Disability – Eligibility is determined based on the definition of a disability for adults, rather than for children. Additionally, the child should be diagnosed with this disability before 22 years of age.
• Limited/no income – Both the child and the family are unable to adequately support themselves
• Parent qualifications – The parent of the diasbled child is retired, disabled, or deceased, leaving the child unable to support themselves and needing assistance. At least one of the parents must have been receiving Social Security or, if the parent is deceased, then they must have worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security benefits.

In general, it isn’t mandatory for the adult child to have work credits on their own in order to receive these benefits, but the parent should have a work background in order to qualify.

How to Appeal a Denial of Social Security for Children Decatur, IL

If you are denied benefits after filling out the application, then you should make it a point to appeal the denial. Having a Social Security lawyer in Decatur by your side is essential because the complicated Social Security system has rules, regulations, courts, and judges all on its own. You need someone who is aware of the workings of the process—both inside and out— and Drummond Law is there to help!

Your chances of approval increase significantly when we step in. We will be at your side every step in the process as you face the SSA. Let us help you prepare for the hearing and handle the SSA’s vocational expert on your behalf. We know what to do to present your case in the most positive light.

Contact Our Disability Lawyers in Decatur, IL | Drummond Law

Our team of attorneys understand the severe physical, emotional, and financial hardships associated with caring for a disabled child. You deserve the maximum amount of help that is available under the law. Get in touch with a disability lawyer for help with all aspects of Social Security for children in Decatur, IL. Call Drummond Law at 800-842-0426 for a free case consultation.