Am I eligible to dispute my denied claim for child disability?

Child disability is most often provided under SSI, or supplemental security income. SSI is a different program from SSDI, which is appropriate for adult workers who have become disabled and who have worked for the required minimum length of time to be eligible for SSDi. 

SSI, unlike disability insurance, isn't just for disabled people. However, one way in which to qualify for SSI is for a child to be disabled. Not every disability is going to qualify however. In order for a disability to qualify the child (and family) for SSI benefits, the disability must have a major impact on the child's day to day life. A learning disability that just makes it hard for the child to read, for example, isn't likely to be serious enough to qualify. However, if the disability impairs the majority of the child's day to day activities and makes it hard for the child to function, it should be a qualifying disability. In addition to the requirement that the disability be serious, it also must be expected to either be terminal or to last for no less than 12 months. 

There are also other requirements, such as that the income of the child be less than $1000 a month. Family income is looked at as well, if the child resides at home. If the child resides in a medical facility, the SSDi benefits are also limited. 

To determine if you are eligible to dispute a denied claim, first make sure that you meet the qualification requirements. If so, you must appeal within the stated time limit noted on your notice of denial.

If you do intend to file an appeal of your denied claim, it is in your best interests to get a lawyer to help you to deal with the appeals process.