Social Security Income (SSI)

The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs.  Social Security pays only for total disability.  No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

“Disability” under Social Security is based on your inability to work.  We consider you disabled uder Social Security rules if:

·         You cannot do work that you did before;

·         We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s);

·         Your disability ahs lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

For each of the major body systems, we maintain a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean that you are disabled.  If your condition is not on the list we have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list.  If it is, we will find that you are disabled.

Listing of Impairments-Childhood Listings (Part B)

The following sections provide medical criteria for the evaluation of impairments of children under age 18 (where criteria in Part A- Adult listings do not give appropriate consideration to the particular disease process in childhood).

100.00 Growth Impairment                         101.00 Musculoskeletal System                

102.00   Special Senses and Speech          103.00 Respiratory System                          

104.00   Cardiovascular System                   105.00   Digestive System

106.00   Genitourinary System                    107.00   Hematological Disorders

108.00   Skin Disorders                                   109.00   Endocrine System

110.00   Impairments that Affect                  111.00   Neurological                                                                 Multiple Body Systems

112.00   Mental Disorders                             113.00 Malignant Neoplastic Diseases

114.00   Immune System Disorders

A Child under age 18 may be disabled, but we don’t need to consider the child’s disability when deciding if he or she qualifies for benefits as your dependent.  The child’s benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled.

For a child with a disability to receive benefits on your record after age 18, the following rules apply:

·         The disabling impairment must have started before age 22, and;

·         He or she must meet the definition for adults.

How to Apply

Online                   http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dapply.htm

Phone                   1-800-772-1213

TTY                         1-800-325-0778

Or  you can visit your local Social Security Office

You may want to call or get online before you go to get a list of all the documents you may need to take with you or to send in.

Some things other parents suggest

·         If you are denied at first don’t give up.  Many people are denied at first usually because of a document not submitted.  Ask the worker how to appeal.

·         If you get a letter saying you have to pay back, appeal it.  That is why it is important to send in your documents each month. 

·         Keep accurate records of how the SSI is spent.

·         If Social Security sent the money they must know what they are doing; it belongs to my child.”  BE CAREFUL! NEVER ASSUME! Many intelligent parents have found themselves owing thousands back to Social Security.