A post by a guest blogger means a brain break for Penny and relevant info for you!
This week I am grateful for the help from guest blogger Ram Meyyappan who is a disability expert and advocate. Ram is associated with a subscriber website that promotes disability awareness and connects individuals with disability advocates and lawyers in order to help them navigate the Social Security Disability process. Mr Meyyappan provides a wealth of valid information that may help parents familiarize themselves with the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits for their child. However it is important to note that Hope4Harper received no compensation for posting Mr. Meyyappan’s article. Enjoy his insight and remember that there are many resources out there and a good place to start is your local therapy service center or the Social Security Administration’s official site at www.ssa.gov
By the way, if you would like you be a guest blogger on Hope4Harper.com I am taking submissions and would be interested in reviewing your content for possible future posts.
And now, our guest blogger Ram Meyyappan.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits for a Child with CDKL5
CDKL5, or X-linked infantile spasm syndrome, is a form of epilepsy that qualifies medically for Social Security Disability benefits. As a congenital genetic disorder that is either caused by a mutation in the CDKL5 gene or a deletion of that gene, X-linked infantile spasm syndrome causes intellectual disability in addition to seizures and can qualify children for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
How to Medically Qualify for Benefits with CDKL5
While there is no unique listing in the SSA’s Blue Book for CDKL5, convulsive epilepsy is listed and that listing is used to evaluate claims filed for CDKL5. To medically qualify for benefits, you must present the SSA with as many of your child’s medical records as possible. Copies of those records can be provided at the time you apply for benefits.
The specific information the SSA must see in your child’s medical records includes:
- Documentation of recurrent seizures
- Age appropriate intellectual and/or developmental evaluations
- Lab findings of genetic mutation, documenting the specific diagnosis
- A detailed statement from your child’s doctor confirming the diagnosis, treatment protocol, and prognosis
How to Financially Qualify for SSI
SSI benefits are available for children, but there are financial eligibility requirements for qualifying. Specifically, your child must have limited financial resources available to pay for his or her everyday needs. Some of the income and financial resources or assets of parents are considered when determining your child’s eligibility.
SSI is a need-based program. Your child may or may not financially qualify for benefits as a minor, even if he or she meets the medical eligibility rules. It is important to understand that when your son or daughter reaches 18 years of age, financial resources are evaluated differently. Your income, resources, and assets do not affect your child’s eligibility in the same way once he or she is legally an adult. In other words, even if your child did not qualify for benefits as a minor, he or she may upon turning 18.
How to Apply for Benefits for a Child
When you apply for benefits on behalf of a child, you must schedule an interview appointment with the local SSA office. You can do so through your social worker or caseworker, if you have one, or you can call the official Social Security Administration automated services number at 1-800-772-1213. You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at this same number.
Either way, the interview will be involved and will require you to provide the SSA with detailed information on your child’s medical history, financial status, and daily activity level or abilities. At the time you schedule your appointment, the SSA will mail you information on how to prepare for the interview, including the documentation you will need to take with you. Specifically, you will receive a Child Disability Starter Kit, which can also be found on the SSA’s official website here.
Article by Ram Meyyappan
Disability Expert and Advocate
www.disability-benefits-help.org/blog