Social Security for Children

SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers

Social Security for Children


Social Security for children in Missouri and Illinois. Caring for a child with disabilities is not only emotionally challenging, but it can be financially taxing as well. Fortunately, there are resources available for income-eligible families so that they can afford things to help raise the child, like occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical equipment, tutoring, and more.

At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers understand that having to file for Social Security to help cover these expenses can be time-consuming and overwhelming on top of already caring for a child that has many needs. Let us handle everything while you take care of your child and the rest of the family. We will help you file for Social Security for children, appeal a denial, or any other issues that you have with your claim. Contact us or call 800-842-0426 for a free case review.

Social Security for Children Lawyer in Missouri and Illinois

Filing for Social Security Benefits for Children

Getting Social Security for children disability payments requires substantial evidence along with additional or specialized testing. We can help you complete and submit the initial applications and the required Child Disability Reports. Additionally, 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 few options for children—both child and adult— to help them get the support they need. We will help you evaluate all angles to determine the best option based on your situation.

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 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 to ensure you begin getting the benefits you need to keep your child and family healthy.

SSI for Children

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. 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 for those who do not have a work history but need financial and medical 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 activities and must be expected to disable them for at least 12 months or be chronic. Conditions include mental (i.e. significant learning disability, low IQ, depression, autism, drug dependence) and physical (i.e. visual and hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, paralysis, cancer, heart transplant, amputations)
  • Limited resources/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. This is why having an experienced SSI for children lawyer on your side from the very beginning is critical.

Social Security Disability for Children Over 18

When a child turns 18 and becomes a legal adult, benefits can change dramatically which is why it’s important to prepare your child for these changes so that there are no interruptions to receiving the assistance he or she needs.

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. The requirements 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 reaching the age of 22.
  • 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.

Overall, it’s not necessary 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.

Appealing a Denial of Social Security for Children

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 by your side is essential because the 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 go up significantly when we step in to represent you. We have thorough understanding of the issues at hand and will thoroughly 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. We will be by your side every step of the way as you face the SSA.

Contact Our Social Security Lawyers | Drummond Law

Our lawyers understand the serious emotional, physical, 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 our disability lawyers for help with all aspects of your Social Security for children claim. Call our team at 800-842-0426 for a free case evaluation.

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Our Illinois-based firm specializes in Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability cases. Feel free to contact us for more information and to speak to an actual, experienced attorney. If we don't win the case, you don't pay anything.

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