Supplemental Security Income May Be Available to Help
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for children under 18 with limited income and who qualify as disabled. Certain states add income to the federal SSI payment to increase the amount a child receives each month. Birth injuries that cause permanent or temporary disabilities may allow a child to qualify for SSI.
The Basics of SSI for Children With Birth Injuries
Similar to Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) for adults, SSI payments follow an application process to determine whether a child with a birth injury qualifies as disabled. Some conditions automatically qualify for SSI. Parents must still follow the usual application procedure, but they will receive payment during the three- to five-month application period.
These conditions include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Severe mental disability (for child age 7 or older)
- Total blindness or deafness
- Low birth weight under 2 pounds 10 ounces
Additional conditions or disorders caused by birth trauma may also be covered as a disability, but the parents of the applicant will have to proceed through the formal application process, documenting the child's disability, before receiving SSI. Evaluations of the child's disability will also have to occur every few years to continue receiving SSI.
In many cases, SSI helps a family pay for care of an injured loved one, but it is not enough. Medical treatment is extremely expensive and a birth injury suit may be the only option to regain financial security and to improve a child's quality of life after a birth injury.
Learn More About Taking Legal Action
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases.
To discuss your child's birth injury with one of our professionals, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
