United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Shelley
I knew about SSD for adults but not for children.

Does this mean only if parents have financial needs a disabled child can collect and it is SSI?

Or if a child is disabled regardless of parents income they can collect?
Does it matter the degree of disability?
I know some children are given government support if they are disabled but that is not always the case for obpi children. SSA does not have a clear statement on bpi therefore we must battle for it.

As you well know.

Thanks for your help
Kath

Hi Kathleen,

My name is Lisa and I have a one year old son with a right brachial plexus injury. I noticed there is alot of questions regarding Social Security benefits for children with this disability. I work for a Social Security Lawyer in Pennsylvania and wanted to let you know, if I can help or have my boss help answer any questions regarding this matter, we would be glad to help.

I just wanted to try and help in some way.

Thanks
Lisa

Lisa
Thank you for your offer of help.
I e-mailed you.

Kath

Kath-as long as the patient meets SSI criteria and the child is disabled. The degree of disability matters-they have to meet their guidelines and submit medical. They want to know it is truly a "disability". They feel if there is gainful employment down the road for this person that it's not a disability. Delayed development may not work as down the road they may develop-possibly years later than normal but they may develop. That is one of their strict guidelines. Don't quote me on it but "residual" disability is kind of what they're looking for. It's going to partially be up to our docs as the medical info turned in-what is the lifeline we're taling about with the patient being able to work, etc. Hope this helps some....Shelley

In my state, a child who is awarded SSI and who also has a lawsuit, must repay the total given if the suit ends with settlement or win by trial. This is why it is very important for you to discuss SSI with your lawyers. It will not hurt your case, but you do repay it if you settle or win.