SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers
Social Security for Children in Edwards County, IL
Social Security for children in Edwards County, IL. Caring for a disabled child is not only emotionally arduous, but it may be financially burdensome as well. Fortunately, there are resources available for income-eligible families so that they can afford things to help raise the child, such as educational expenses, skilled nursing assistance, home modification costs, medical treatments, medical equipment, and more.
At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers in Edwards County, IL, know 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. 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 denial, or any other type of problem you may encounter during the process. Contact our team or call 800-842-0426 for a free case consultation.
Applying for Social Security Benefits for Children in Edwards County, IL
Getting Social Security for children disability payments requires significant 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 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 couple of different options for children—both child and adult— to help them get the support they need.
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 many people make mistakes when applying. Our lawyers 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 Edwards 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 what the Supplemental Security Income—a needs-based program—is for! SSI provides benefits for those who don’t have a work history but still require medical and financial assistance.
The qualifications include:
- Child under 18 – this includes children, grandchildren, adopted children, and stepchildren
- OR under 19-years-old – The child must be attending school
- Disability – The condition must limit the child’s activities 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. 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 in Edwards County, IL, on your side from the very beginning is critical.
Social Security Disability for Adult Children in Edwards County, IL
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.
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. Also, the child must have been 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 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.
Generally, it is not 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.
Appealing a Denial of Social Security for Children in Edwards County
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 Edwards County by your side is essential because the complex Social Security system has regulations, rules, judges, and courts 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 dramatically when we represent you. We’ll be at your side every step in the process 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 Edwards County, IL | Drummond Law
Our team of attorneys understand the severe financial, emotional, and physical hardships involved with caring for a disabled child. 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 Edwards County, IL. Call Drummond Law at 800-842-0426 for a no-risk case consultation.