SSD and SSI For Children Lawyers
Social Security for Children in Peoria, IL
Social Security for children in Peoria, IL. Caring for a disabled child is not just emotionally strenuous, but it can be financially wearisome 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, such as medical treatments, educational expenses, medical equipment, skilled nursing assistance, home modification costs, and more.
At Drummond Law, our Social Security lawyers in Peoria, IL, understand that having to file for Social Security to help cover these expenses can be 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 will 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 case review.
Applying for Social Security Benefits for Children in Peoria, IL
Getting Social Security for children benefits requires substantial 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 important to save all records from doctors and teachers 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 few options for children—both young and old— 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 errors to ensure you begin getting the benefits you need to keep your family and disabled child in good health.
SSI for Children in Peoria, 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 need medical and financial assistance.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Under the age of 18 – this includes children, stepchildren, adopted children, or grandchildren
- OR under the age of 19 – The child must be attending school
- Disability – The condition must limit the child’s activities 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. visual and hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, paralysis, cancer, heart transplant, amputations)
- Limited/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 Peoria, IL, on your side from the very beginning is critical.
Social Security Disability for Children Over 18 in Peoria, 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 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 this disability before 22 years of age.
- 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.
In general, 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 a work background in order to qualify.
Appealing a Denial of Social Security for Children in Peoria
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 Peoria by your side is necessary because the complicated Social Security system has courts, judges, rules, and regulations 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 of the way 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 Peoria, IL | Drummond Law
Our lawyers understand the serious financial, emotional, and physical hardships involved with having a child with disabilities. 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 Peoria, IL. Call our team at 800-842-0426 for a free case review.