An Albuquerque Disability Lawyer Discusses SSI Benefits for the Disabled Child
Unlike the Social Security Administration’s other disability program, Social Security Disability, which essentially acts as insurance for those who have sufficiently paid into the system, Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program that may be available to a person under 18 if he or she meets both the medical disability requirements and the financial need requirements as outlined under SSA guidelines.
Disability
Disability, for SSA purposes of SSI benefits for a child, is characterized by a marked and severe medical condition or conditions that is expected to last a minimum of one year or is expected to result in death.
Financial Requirements
In recognition of the reality that most children have few or no assets, the SSA will analyze the assets of the claimant’s parents or alternatively of the household in which he or she lives. Despite the severity of the child’s physical or mental condition, SSI benefits will not be awarded if the household income is too high. Generally speaking, the receipt of some form of public assistance is a strong indicator that the claimant will meet the financial eligibility requirements, but each case must be assessed on a case by case basis.
Contact an Albuquerque Disability Attorney for Legal Advice
The rules governing SSI and the SSA in general are complex, and claims are often initially denied. To fully understand and protect your rights, call the Law Office of Michelle Baca and Associates, an Albuquerque disability lawyer, at (505) 872-1144.
