SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers
Social Security for Children in Litchfield, IL
Social Security for children in Litchfield, IL. Caring for a child with disabilities is not only mentally difficult, but it may be economically taxing as well. The United States provides a safety net for those who are income eligible that allow them to 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 Litchfield, IL, understand that figuring out how to properly file for Social Security is overwhelming and time-consuming on top of already caring for a child that has many needs. Allow us to handle everything while you take care of your child and the rest of your family. We want to help you file 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 claim consultation.
Applying for Social Security Benefits for Children in Litchfield, IL
Getting Social Security for children benefits requires significant evidence along with additional or specialized testing. We can help you complete and submit the Child Disability Reports and all of the initial applications. Additionally, it’s crucial to save all records 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 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.
A majority of claims are denied at first because many people make mistakes when applying. Our lawyers can help you avoid these mistakes to ensure you begin getting the benefits you need to keep your child and family in good health.
SSI for Children Litchfield
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 do not have a work history but need medical and financial assistance.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Child under 18 – this includes children, grandchildren, adopted children, and stepchildren
- 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 a minimum of 12 months or be chronic. Conditions include mental (i.e. depression, significant learning disability, low IQ, drug dependence, autism) 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. Because of this, you should not delay getting an SSI for children lawyer in Litchfield, IL, involved from the start.
Social Security Disability for Children Over 18 in Litchfield, 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’re unmarried, lost their parents, or if those parents are retired or also claiming disability. Eligibility is based on the parent’s earnings record.
SSDI eligibility requirements differ significantly from the SSI system. They include:
- Disability – This is based on the definition of disability for adults and not children. Additionally, the child must have been diagnosed with a disability before 22 years of age.
- Limited resources/no income – Both the child and the family are unable to adequately 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.
Overall, 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 qualify.
Appealing a Denial of Social Security for Children in Litchfield
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 Litchfield by your side is necessary because the complicated Social Security system has regulations, rules, judges, and courts all on 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 represent you. We will 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 Litchfield, IL | Drummond Law
Our team of attorneys understand the serious financial, emotional, and physical 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 Litchfield, IL. Call Drummond Law at 800-842-0426 for a no-risk claim evaluation.