Chicago Down’s Syndrome Attorneys
Illinois Social Security Disability Lawyers
Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. The severity and impact of Down’s syndrome varies greatly, but it is generally associated with cognitive impairments and stunted growth, along with distinctive facial characteristics. Physical disabilities resulting from Down’s syndrome run the gamut – some individuals are able to hold a full-time job and others are unable to perform any type of employment.
Individuals with Down’s syndrome have a higher risk of other medical conditions, such as heart disease, gastroesophageal reflex disease, recurrent ear infections, sleep apnea, and thyroid problems.
Social Security Disability Benefits for Children
Social security disability programs are available for children who suffer from Down’s syndrome if they meet the qualifying conditions of the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to apply for social security disability benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will need to provide detailed information about your child’s medical condition and its affect on the child’s ability to function in daily life. The SSA will likely ask for permission to contact your child’s doctors, teachers and therapists to obtain information on your child’s down’s syndrome.
Your child will be entitled to receive SSI if he or she meets the SSA’s qualify medical condition and falls below the income and resources limits. Once your child begins receiving SSI benefits, the SSA will review your child’s medical condition periodically to determine if he or she is still eligible for SSI benefits. For instance, children that are younger than 18 with medical conditions that are expected to improve are reevaluated every 3 years.
When a Disabled Child Reaches Age 18
When a child with Down’s syndrome turns 18, the child must reapply for social security disability benefits, and the types and amount of social security benefits for which he or she is eligible may change. The Social Security Disability (SSDI) program pays benefits to disabled adults who have been disabled since before they were 22 years old. Since Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal condition that is apparent at birth, the SSDI benefits will continue after the child reaches age 18 if one of his or her parents:
- Is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits; or
- Died and worked long enough under Social Security to earn sufficient “work credits.”
Compassionate Legal Advice
If your child suffers from Down’s syndrome, you are likely concerned about your child’s health and well-being, in addition to financial preoccupations with respect to necessary medical treatment. At Ankin Law our compassionate and knowledgeable Chicago social security disability attorneys at Ankin Law focus on helping family members with Down’s syndrome obtain the appropriate social security disability benefits. If your child suffers from Down’s syndrome, contact us at (872) 529-9377 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Chicago social security disability attorneys.
The Chicago social security disability benefits attorneys at Ankin Law have considerable experience helping parents of disabled children, including children who suffer from cerebral palsy or Down’s syndrome, apply for and obtain the social security benefits to which they are entitled. We understand how confusing and overwhelming the social security disability process can be and we will guide your through the entire process – from reapplication and claims processing to preparing for an appeals hearing and obtaining family support benefits.
Contact one of our compassionate Chicago Down’s syndrome attorneys at (872) 529-9377 to schedule an appointment to discuss the availability of social security disability benefits.
