SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers
Social Security for Children in Clinton County, IL
Social Security for children in Clinton County, IL. Caring for a child with disabilities is not just emotionally difficult, but it can be financially wearisome as well. Fortunately, there are resources available for income-eligible families so that they can afford things to help raise the child, like medical treatments, educational expenses, medical equipment, skilled nursing assistance, home modification costs, and more.
At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers in Clinton County, IL, understand that having to file for Social Security to help cover these expenses can be time-consuming and overwhelming on top of the already-challenging feat of caring for a child with 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 issues that you have with your claim. Contact our team or call 800-842-0426 for a free case consultation.
Applying for Social Security Benefits for Children in Clinton County, IL
Applying for Social Security for children disability payments requires substantial 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’s important to save all records from teachers and doctors that address your child’s special needs, conditions, and side effects. 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 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 family and disabled child in good health.
SSI for Children in Clinton County, IL
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 for those who don’t have a work history but still require medical and financial assistance.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Child under 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 activities and must be expected to disable them 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. cancer, heart transplant, cystic fibrosis, amputations, paralysis, visual and hearing loss)
- 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 Clinton County, IL, on your side from the very beginning is critical.
SSDI for Children Over 18 in Clinton County, IL
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’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.
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 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. Before this point, at least one parent should have built up work credits into Social Security in order for the child to be eligible.
In general, it is not 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.
Appealing a Denial of Social Security for Children in Clinton County
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 Clinton County by your side is necessary because the complicated Social Security system has rules, regulations, courts, and judges all of 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 increase significantly when we step in. We will be at your side every step in the process as you face the Social Security Administration. 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 Clinton County, IL | Drummond Law
Our lawyers understand the severe physical, emotional, and financial hardships associated with caring for a disabled child. 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 Clinton County, IL. Call Drummond Law at 800-842-0426 for a free case consultation.