Protecting the Financial Future of Your Disabled Child

Social Security Disability can help provide the income your disabled child needs to live. While the application process may appear daunting, the reward is long-term financial stability for your child. As such, it is well worth submitting the application and providing the necessary documentation so that the child will receive his/her benefits.

Conditions that Qualify for Social Security Disability

Nearly 4.3 million children receive benefits for their own disabilities or the disabilities of their parents.Social Security Disability is available for conditions that create long-term or permanent inability to work. SSDI is not available for short-term (less than one year), or partial disabilities. Most importantly, the disability must be present and diagnosed before the child reaches the age of 22. The condition must be severe enough that it interferes with basic job-related functions.

Conditions that qualify a child for SSDI include cardiac problems, respiratory problems, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, mental disorders, endocrine disorders, neurological disorders, weakened immune system, cancer, and many others. The qualifying categories are broad and it is worth speaking with a disability lawyer in Chicago to determine whether the child’s condition qualifies them for benefits.

Qualifying for Benefits

The child does not need to have worked in order to qualify for benefits. Their benefits will be paid based on the parent’s earnings. Moreover, the child may continue to work while receiving benefits. These benefits will still be paid so long as the child earns less than $1,130 per month.

As the child grows older, they may continue collecting benefits based on their parent’s earnings record. This can have a positive impact on the child’s financial situation throughout their lifetime. Moreover, these benefits will continue even after their parents are deceased.

Marriage Changes the Equation

If the child gets married, then their benefits may be in jeopardy. However, there are exceptions. For instance, if the child marries another disabled individual, their benefits are considered protected and will not change. Thus, it is important to investigate the impact marriage and other significant life events will have on benefit payments before any decisions are made.

Expedited Claims

Compassionate allowances and quick disability determinations are available for sudden onset disabilities including leukemia, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injury, respiratory conditions, etc. A disability lawyer in Chicago can help parents prepare and submit expedited applications that can help with the initial treatment and medical costs associated with the condition.