United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have looked into applying for SS disability for Olivia (22 months LOBPI). Can anyone tell me how the process works? From what I've read, it appears that there is an income limit. Is this the parent's income? Am I reading this correctly? I'm confused and I know each state has it's own laws. Also, we were denyed for Early Intervention. Apparently, all the things she needs to do, only require the use of one arm (Like reaching for things, pulling herself up, etc) and thankfully, she has no other delays. Any advice from anyone in NY whose child receives EI (specially suffolk county)
Thanks as always
Felicia

Felicia:
At 22 months, aren't bilateral movements still part of the testing? Plus, demand that they come back and test her affected arm. It isn't good enough that they test the arm that "works". You need to talk to your EI coordinator. Tell them that this appears to be her dominant arm and she needs therapy to improve it.

As for SSD, we never really looked into it.

We are in Nassau county, but I don't think it is that different.

good luck,
claudia

Helo Felicia,
SSI,may be more appropreiate at this age. There are lengthy Topic Thread Discussions on both SSI and SSD on here somewhere..perhaps on the "Adults and Teens with..".Board...

HUGS al around, :
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69 :^)

EI works by needing a 33% deficit in one area (physical for example) or a 25% deficit in 2 areas (physical and social might be another I think or something along that line) in order to qualify for it. It can be VERY FRUSTRATING to be denied EI services while knowing your child can only benefit from such services! Have a conversation with the PT/OT who did the testing. Have they ever done testing on a child with BPI before? EI will be more medically modeled compared to when you age out and go to the CPSE (committe for preschool special education) and CSE (committee for special education). Bilateral testing is something to discuss with them. We're not in the same county (we're in Upstate NY).

We've never pursued the social security benefits route, but I have heard that it is very difficult to get. Do a search on the forum as there have been many threads on this very topic in the past. Good luck.

Tanya in NY
Amber's Mom, ROBPI, 4 years old

Hi, I live in Delaware County, New York, and have had EI for my son since he was 3 months old, he is now 3 and we are in the process of the transition to the 3 to 5 age group. Upon having the evaluation done and the meeting with the school we were informed that he only had an 11 month delay and in order for him to qualify for the 3 to 5 year old group for therapy, he had to have a 12 month delay. They informed us that we could continue in EI for six more months and have another evaluation at that time. In the meantime, I called New York State Department of Early Intervention and explained our story, and asked them if there was an evaluation that could be done just comparing the upper extremity and there is, the name of the test is Erhardt Developmental Prehension Assessment (EDPA). This is for ages 1-6. You should contact your EI coordinator and tell her the name of the test and that you would like to have that test done on your child, NYS also told me that Therapy Skill Builders has this test. I have their phone number if you need, please feel free to e-mail me for more information. Good Luck.

felicia,
I have not heard about applying for SS disability for an Erb's child. I believe you have to be working age to make a claim for your own disability, but I could be wrong. You might want to ask your attorney the question. Keep in mind that sometimes, if you have a recovery from a lawsuit, you might have to repay any benefits received. I know that is not the case with EI, but can't speak for SS.
I can't believe you were denied EI for the reasons you gave. It sounds contrary to one of the main purposes of EI. I know that on several occasions we had to fight for more services or to keep the ones they were giving. We received EI for about 5 years in Putnam County, NY.
Good luck and remember, you have to advocate for your child...don't give up on first refusal. I know a few people that were denied at first, and then later given services.