Does your child have a disability? If so, your family may be entitled to receive financial support through a Social Security disability claim. Child disability claims are notoriously complex. We want to make sure every family has the tools, information, and resources they need to navigate the claims process. Here, attorney Harold W. Conick provide an overview of the most important things parents should know about children’s disability claims, childhood domains, and mental health disorders.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Children’s Disability Claims
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, an applicant must have a sufficient work history. Without “paying in” to the program, an applicant is ineligible for benefits. As children are not covered by SSDI, they must bring their disability claim through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI is a purely needs-based social insurance program — meaning children under 18 years old can qualify for disability benefits if medical and legal requirements are satisfied.
Childhood Domains: Understanding Functional Equivalence for Children
A child may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they have a listed condition. However, a listed condition is not a requirement to get Social Security disability benefits. A child may obtain disability benefits without a listing condition if they can ‘equal a listing’. Under federal law (Code of Federal Regulations § 416.926a), there are six (6) areas of functioning the SSA reviews when assessing the extent of a child’s impairments. These areas of functioning are childhood domains. Here are the six (6) childhood domains:
Social Security Disability: Childhood Mental Disorders
If your child has a mental disorder, your family may be eligible to obtain financial disability support through the Supplemental Security Income program. As described by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the agency maintains a list of mental illnesses and mental impairments that qualify for coverage. In addition, a child may be granted SSI disability benefits if their condition ‘equals’ a listing based on the six (6) childhood domains noted above. Mental health conditions are complex, especially for children. It is crucial children get the high-quality, personalized medical attention they deserve and need.
Get Help from Our Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area Child Disability Attorney Today
At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our top-rated Social Security disability lawyers have the skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle the complete range of children’s disability claims. If you have any questions about your rights or your options, we are here to help. To set up a no fee, no obligation review of your child disability claim, please contact us right away. We represent clients throughout the greater Chicago Metropolitan Area.
