Wisconsin Social Security Disability Law Firm

Wisconsin Social Security Disability Law Firm 

Is My Disabled Child Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

Social Security is a large, bureaucratic agency that is not always easy to understand from the outside. If you have a minor child who is physically or cognitively disabled, you may be wondering if Social Security could provide financial assistance to make things a little easier on your whole family. The following is a brief overview. For more detailed information, call the Wisconsin social security disability law firm of Hickey & Turim.

There Are Three Types of Social Security

Most people are familiar with Social Security retirement benefits, in which you pay into the system through payroll taxes and receive monthly benefits upon retirement. There is also Social Security Disability Insurance, which benefits adults who have paid into Social Security but can no longer work due to a disabling condition.

Neither of the above programs applies to minor children with disabilities. Instead, you can file for disability benefits for your disabled child through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. It is need-based and does not require the beneficiary to have paid into the system through payroll taxes.

Social Security Benefits for Disabled Kids – The Basics

For your child to be considered disabled, he or she must meet two criteria. First, he/she must have a disabling condition (physical or mental) that “very seriously limits his or her activities.” Second, this condition must last (or be projected to last) at least a year or to be fatal.

If your child is deemed disabled (as decided by a state agency), the Social Security Administration will then determine the amount of income and resources available to the child. If they are sufficiently minimal, the child will be eligible to receive SSI benefits. A Wisconsin social security disability law firm can evaluate your child’s situation to determine what the best course of action may be. 

Utilizing other available services

SSI is a necessary resource supplement, but it is not the only help available. Your child may be eligible for health care coverage under Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Your child’s eligibility for these programs is not tied to his or her eligibility for SSI benefits.

Legal Assistance Is Available

As mentioned above, Social Security can be a confusing, frustrating and bureaucratic process. Many individuals and families have trouble navigating it on their own. If you could benefit from some help seeking SSI benefits, please contact Hickey & Turim SC to meet with a social security disability lawyer Milwaukee, WI parents trust. Our Wisconsin social security disability law firm will guide you through the process and assist you in putting together the strongest possible application for SSI enrollment.