SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers

Social Security for Children in O’Fallon, MO

Social Security for children in O’Fallon, MO. Caring for a disabled child is not just mentally challenging, but it may be financially burdensome too. Fortunately, there are resources available for income-eligible families so that they can afford items to help raise the child, like medical equipment, skilled nursing assistance, educational expenses, home modification costs, medical treatments, and more.

At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers in O’Fallon, MO, know that having to file for Social Security to help cover these expenses can be overwhelming and time-consuming on top of the already-challenging feat of caring for a child with many needs. Please take care of your family while we take care of everything else. We will help you file for Social Security for children, appeal a claim denial, or any other issues that you have with your claim. Contact our team or call 800-842-0426 for a free case evaluation.

Filing for Social Security Benefits for Children in O’Fallon, MO

Applying for Social Security for children disability payments requires significant evidence along with additional or specialized testing. We can help you fill out the initial applications and the required Child Disability Reports. Additionally, it’s important to save all documentation from doctors and teachers that address your child’s condition, side effects, or special needs. We can help you gather these important documents to help prove your child has severe limitations that would qualify for benefits.

There are a couple of different options for children—both child and adult— to support their needs as they age.

Drummond Law can help you file for the federal programs including, but 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 attorneys can help you avoid these mistakes so that you can start receiving the benefits needed to keep your family and disabled child healthy.

SSI for Children in O’Fallon, MO

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 do not 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 19-years-old – 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 at least 12 months or be chronic. Conditions include mental (i.e. autism, significant learning disability, drug dependence, depression, low IQ) 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. Because of this, you should not delay getting an SSI for children lawyer in O’Fallon, MO, involved from the start.

Social Security Disability for Children Over 18 in O’Fallon, MO

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 entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they’re unmarried, lost their parents, or if those parents are retired or claiming disability benefits themselves. Eligibility is based on the parent’s earnings record.

SSDI eligibility requirements differ significantly from the SSI system. They include:

• Disability – Eligibility is determined based on the definition of a disability for adults, rather than for children. Additionally, the child must have been diagnosed with a disability before 22 years of age.
• Limited resources/no income – Child and family do not have the resources available to support themselves
• Parent qualifications – The parent is deceased, disabled, or retired and the child is left needing assistance because of this lack of support. 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 necessary for the adult child to have work credits on their own in order to receive these benefits, but the parent should have some amount of work history in order to be eligible.

How to Appeal a Denial of Social Security for Children O’Fallon, MO

If you or your child are facing a denial of claims, then you have every right to appeal this decision. Having a Social Security lawyer in O’Fallon by your side is essential because the complex Social Security system has courts, judges, rules, and regulations all on its own. You need a lawyer that is experienced with all of the inner workings of the SSA. Drummond Law is ready to help!

Your chances of approval go up significantly when we represent you. We’ll be by 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.

Get in touch with Our Disability Lawyers in O’Fallon, MO | Drummond Law

Our lawyers understand the serious physical, emotional, and financial hardships associated with having a child with disabilities. You deserve the maximum amount of help that is available under the law. Get in touch with our disability lawyers for help with all aspects of Social Security for children in O’Fallon, MO. Call Drummond Law at 800-842-0426 for a no-risk case evaluation.