Does your child have a disability? If so, you and your family may be eligible to obtain financial benefits through Social Security. We want to make sure all parents in Illinois have access to the information and resources they need to protect and provide for their family. Here, Attorney Harold W. Conick provides an overview of the most important things you need to know about child and adult disability benefits.
Child disability benefits may be available through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. As described by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSI provides financial benefits to disabled individuals who have low income and limited financial resources. Children who are younger than 18 may qualify for benefits through SSI — assuming both medical and technical requirements are met.
Many parents have questions regarding what exactly qualifies as a ‘child disability.’ For the purposes of the SSI, a qualifying disabling condition is one that is listed by the agency (Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, blindness, etc.) or one that has a “marked and severe” impact on a child’s day-to-day functioning. In bringing a claim, strong supporting medical evidence will be needed to establish a disability. If you have any questions or concerns about whether your child’s condition qualifies for benefits, an experienced attorney can help.
As was mentioned previously, SSI benefits are strictly need based. You do not have to pay into the program to qualify. However, an applicant may be denied for SSI benefits based solely on the grounds they have too much income or too many assets. While very few disabled children are earning any personal income, it is important to understand the family’s financial resources are what matters to the agency.
For several different reasons, parents and families may have trouble getting the full child disability benefits they are entitled to under federal law. Sadly, this can leave the Illinois family in a difficult position. It is important to understand you and your family can appeal an unfavorable decision.
There is a stage appeals process, which may involve reconsideration. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) handles hearings while an appeals council handles reviews. Do not give up on the benefits you and your family deserve. If you believe your child disability claim was wrongly denied in Illinois, contact an experienced SSI disability lawyer for help.
Speak to Our Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area Social Security Disability Today
At Harold W. Conick & Associates Ltd., our greater Chicago metropolitan area SSI lawyers are skilled, compassionate advocates for parents and families. If you have any questions or concerns about child disability benefits, we are here to help. To arrange a free case evaluation, please contact us right away. With an office location in Lisle, we handle child and adult disability claims throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan region, suburbs, northern Illinois, Indiana and southern Wisconsin.
