If you are caring for a disabled child, you may be stressed beyond the breaking point, especially if finances are a problem. At the offices of Duffield, Lovejoy, Stemple & Boggs, Attorneys at Law, we have heard from many clients in West Virginia experiencing this same situation. We understand the nuances of Social Security law, which may allow you to receive benefits for a disabled child.
Perhaps you have a child who was born with a lifelong medical condition, such as Down’s syndrome or cystic fibrosis. Your child may have been diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness. The condition may be manageable, such as blindness, or it could be serious enough to eventually be fatal. Any of these conditions, in addition to others, would require significant time, effort and expense to properly care for a child.
How might you qualify to get benefits to help you take care of your disabled minor? According to the Social Security Administration, there are numerous physical and mental conditions that qualify for Social Security benefits for a child under the age of 18. To be eligible, your child must have a disability that significantly impacts his or her life; be permanently disabling or expected to last at least one year; or be expected to result in death. During the application process, the income and resources of both your child and your family’s household will be considered. If your child works, there will be monthly income limits that usually change each year. Your child may also be eligible if he or she lives away from home to attend school but remains under your control and returns home periodically.
Learn more about disability benefits by visiting our Social Security page.