Child disability benefits may be available if your child suffered a birth injury. For a better understanding of your rights, contact a Cleveland Social Security disability attorney.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the October 2012 monthly statistical snapshot shows there are 1,876 children receiving disability benefits. The average monthly benefit amount is $329.96. These benefits can begin dispersal at birth.
Qualifying for Child Disability Benefits
In order to receive benefits, your child must meet SSA qualifications. The first condition is that his or her disability is found under the Listing of Impairments.
The categories range from hematological disorders and respiratory system impairments to special senses and speech disorders. Each listing provides specific medical criteria that must be met.
The mental or physical impairment must be significant enough to interfere with typical activities such as learning or walking. You will need to provide evidence of your child’s functional limitations.
The other qualification is that the condition must have lasted at least 12 months. In the case of a birth injury, you would need to show that it is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Applying for Child Disability Benefits
Once you have determined that your child meets the qualifications, the next step will be to apply for benefits. This can be done at your local SSA office, but you can save a lot of time by doing it online.
The information that you will need to have ready and may have to provide copies of is the child’s birth certificate and Social Security number. You also will need to provide as much information as you can about your child’s condition.
The SSA will need copies of medical records. It’s a good idea to have those on hand; otherwise, they will need to be obtained by the hospital or clinic your child received treatment in, potentially delaying the process.
In fact, you can save even more time by having everything prepared and ready. This will especially be important if your claim is denied and the process is prolonged.
It generally takes about three to five months to receive a response. Sometimes it can take longer. It’s important that you keep current information on file with SSA, as far as your phone number and address are concerned, for speedy repayment.
Your claim either will be denied or approved. If it is approved, you will receive information as to when child disability benefits will start and how much they will be. If your claim is denied, then you have the option to appeal that decision.
It’s a good idea to have the help of a Cleveland Social Security disability attorney available. With legal counsel you can better prepare for the appeals process, increasing your chance of success.
There are different birth injuries that could lead to child disability benefits like:
- cerebral palsy;
- mental retardation; and
- epilepsy.
In addition, you may be able to file a claim against the healthcare provider whose negligence was the cause of your child’s birth injury.
Contact a Cleveland Social Security disability attorney to discuss legal options you can exercise against the doctor. In addition, The Becker Law Firm in Cleveland can determine if child disability benefits are also available (440) 252-4399.