SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers

Social Security for Children in St. Clair County, IL

Social Security for children in St. Clair County, IL. Caring for a child with disabilities is not just mentally demanding, but it may be financially burdensome too. The United States provides a safety net for those who are income eligible that allow them to afford items 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 St. Clair County, IL, 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 apply for Social Security for children, appeal a claim 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 review.

Filing for Social Security Benefits for Children in St. Clair County, IL

Getting Social Security for children benefits requires significant evidence as well as additional or specialized testing. We can help you fill out the initial applications and the required Child Disability Reports. Also, it is important to save all documentation from teachers and doctors 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.

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.

Many claims are denied at first because there is an issue with the filing. Our lawyers can help you avoid these mistakes so that you can start receiving the benefits needed to keep your child and family in good health.

SSI for Children St. Clair County

Social Security Disability is meant to help individuals with disabilities but, in order to qualify for SSD, you need to have built-up work credits. While younger people have not had the opportunity to pay into the system, their families still require 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.

Eligibility requirements 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 disable them for a minimum of 12 months or be chronic. Conditions include mental (i.e. autism, significant learning disability, drug dependence, depression, low IQ) and physical (i.e. cancer, heart transplant, cystic fibrosis, amputations, paralysis, visual and hearing loss)
• Limited/no income – The child must live at home and be under the care of a family that has limited means or no income.

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 St. Clair County, IL, involved from the start.

Social Security Disability for Adult Children St. Clair County

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 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 – This is based on the definition of disability for adults and not children. Also, the child should be diagnosed with a disability before reaching the age of 22.
• Limited/no income – Child and family do not have the resources available to 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. Before this point, at least one parent should have built up work credits into Social Security in order for the child to be eligible.

Overall, it isn’t mandatory for the adult child to have worked in order to receive these benefits, but the parent should have some amount of work history in order to qualify.

How to Appeal a Denial of Social Security for Children St. Clair County, IL

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 St. Clair County involved in the appeal process is necessary because the complex Social Security system has rules, regulations, courts, and judges all of 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 dramatically when we represent you. We’ll be by your side every step of the way as you face the SSA. We have thorough understanding of the issues at hand and will prepare you and your child for what lies ahead. For example, at the hearing, we will be there to ask the SSA’s vocational expert the correct questions on your behalf.

Contact Our Social Security Lawyers in St. Clair County, IL | Drummond Law

Our team of attorneys understand the severe physical, emotional, and financial hardships associated with having a child with disabilities. If you are one of these individuals, you need and deserve all the help that is available. Get in touch with a disability lawyer for help with all aspects of Social Security for children in St. Clair County, IL. Call our team at 800-842-0426 for a free claim consultation.