When we talk about social security benefits, we are typically talking about elderly people. However, there is another group that may be eligible for supplemental security disability insurance – disabled children.
Learn which children are eligible for SSDI benefits, and how the program works for disabled or blind minors.
Who Is Considered ‘Disabled’ or ‘Blind’?
To qualify for SSDI benefits, a child must be blind or disabled. While these can be broad terms, the Social Security Administration has specific criteria for who this includes:
- A child who has a medically diagnosed physical or mental impairment (or impairments) that severely limit his or her ability to function.
- A child whose impairment is anticipated to last at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
- Blind children who meet the same definition of blindness as adults. This means you must have a central visual acuity for a distance of 20/200 or less in your better eye with the use of a correcting lens. You could also have a visual field limitation in your better eye. An example, according to the SSA, is if the widest diameter of the visual field is an angle no greater than 20 degrees. There is no duration requirement for vision impairments.
While there is a process to get approved for SSDI benefits, the SSA does have Compassionate Allowances (CAL) to provide fast help to seriously ill children. This lets the program quickly identify certain diseases and conditions that meet the standards. These can include cancer, brain disorders, and other rare disorders that children may suffer from.
How the Benefits Program Works
When the Social Security department determines eligibility for SSDI benefits, one of the first things they will look at is an applicant’s age and marital status. To be eligible, applicants must be unmarried and under the age of 18. Or, if an applicant is attending school full-time, he or she must be unmarried and under the age of 22.
There is no minimum age requirement for children, so they may be eligible for SSDI benefits from as early as birth. They can then qualify for the benefits until they are 18 years old. Once a child reaches adulthood, he or she needs to be evaluated to see if they qualify for adult disability benefits.
Children with vision impairments can receive SSI benefits if their situation meets the definition of blindness.
Find an SSDI Benefits Lawyer Near You
If you have a disabled or blind child, it’s crucial to get the benefits that are owed to you to help you assist in their care. Let our lawyers in South Oklahoma City help you file for SSDI benefits before you are consumed by medical bills. Don’t let debt ruin your life. Call (405) 529-9377 for a free case review.