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What Childhood Diseases and Disabilities Qualify for SSDI?

Childhood DiseasesA disabled child or an adult with a childhood disease/impairment may be able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Most often, child disability claims fall under Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Though, some adults with childhood diseases may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSSI). In this article, Harold W. Conick – our Illinois Social Security disability lawyer, explains the key things you need to know about qualifying for disability benefits for a childhood disease or disability.

Many Different Childhood Diseases and Disabilities May Qualify for SSDI/SSI

Qualifying for Social Security disability benefits requires proving that one has a disabling illness, injury, or medical impairment. A number of different childhood diseases and disabilities may potentially qualify a person for Social Security disability compensation, including:

  1. Low birth weight/failure to thrive
  2. Musculoskeletal disorders
  3. Special senses and speech conditions
  4. Respiratory disorders
  5. Cardiovascular system problems
  6. Digestive system programs
  7. Genitourinary disorders
  8. Hematological disorders
  9. Skin disorders
  10. Endocrine disorders
  11. Congenital disorders that impact multiple systems
  12. Neurological disorders and related problems

Medical evidence is key to any Social Security disability claim. An applicant must prove the existence and severity of their disability. If you have questions about whether a particular childhood disease or childhood disability qualifies, an Illinois SSDI & SSI lawyer can help you get answers.

Qualifying for SSDI for Childhood Disease or Disability

Beyond medical requirements, there are also technical (legal) requirements that must be satisfied in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Notably, SSDI has a work history requirement. An applicant must have a long enough work record — based on age — in order to obtain benefits. Many people with childhood disabilities cannot work and therefore cannot meet this requirement.

However, they may still be eligible for SSDI in certain limited circumstances based on their parent’s records. As explained by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the SSDI program pays benefits to  “adults who have a disability that began before they became 22-years-old” if they can qualify based on their parent’s records.

What to Know About SSI Disability Benefits and Child-Related Disabilities

Disabled children may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits even if they cannot qualify for SSDI through their parent’s records. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based alternative to SSDI. There is no work history requirement with SSDI, meaning those who are medically disabled as children and cannot work may still be eligible to get benefits based solely on their disability status and their financial need. An Illinois SSI attorney can help families with disabled children and adults who have childhood disabilities navigate the claims process.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area and Northern Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyer

At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our experienced Illinois SSDI & SSI lawyer has the professional skills and legal expertise to handle the full range of child disability claims.

If you have questions about SSDI benefits, call Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd. now to set up your no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We provide Social Security disability representation throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area and Northern Illinois – including, but not limited to Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, Lake and McHenry Counties, as well as Northeastern Indiana and Southern Wisconsin.