SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers
Social Security for Children in McLean, IL
Social Security for children in McLean, IL. Caring for a disabled child is not only mentally demanding, but it may be economically burdensome as well. 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 medical treatments, educational expenses, medical equipment, skilled nursing assistance, home modification costs, and more.
At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers in McLean, IL, 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. Allow us to handle everything while you take care of your child and the rest of your family. We want to 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 claim evaluation.
Help with Social Security Benefits for Children in McLean, IL
Getting 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. Additionally, it is crucial to save all records from teachers and doctors that address your child’s special needs, conditions, and side effects. We’ll help you gather all pertinent documents and present them to the SSA to demonstrate the child’s need for benefits.
There are a couple of different options for children—both child and adult— to help them get the support they need.
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 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 attorneys can help you avoid these mistakes to ensure you begin getting the benefits you need to keep your family and disabled child healthy.
SSI for Children in McLean, 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. 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 to those who do not have a work history but still require medical and financial assistance.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Under the age of 18 – this includes adopted children, stepchildren, children, and 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 last for a minimum of 12 months or be chronic. Conditions include mental (i.e. significant learning disability, low IQ, depression, autism, drug dependence) and physical (i.e. cystic fibrosis, heart transplant, cancer, visual and hearing loss, paralysis, 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.
When a child who has been receiving SSI turns 18, he or she will need to be reevaluated to see if their disability may still qualify. This is why having an experienced SSI for children lawyer in McLean, IL, on your side from the very beginning is critical.
Social Security Disability for Children Over 18 McLean
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 – 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 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’s not necessary for the adult child to have work credits on their own in order to receive these benefits, but the parent should have a work background in order to qualify.
Appealing a Denial of Social Security for Children in McLean
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 McLean by your side is essential because the complicated Social Security system has rules, regulations, courts, and judges 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 dramatically when we step in. 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.
Get in touch with Our Social Security Lawyers in McLean, IL | Drummond Law
Our lawyers understand the severe 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 McLean, IL. Call Drummond Law at 800-842-0426 for a free case consultation.