What types of SSDI programs are available for my child?

Being the parent of a disabled child comes with a whole set of challenges and problems that most people are not prepared to face.  One of these challenges is determining whether or not your child is eligible for Social Security Disability payments or SSDI programs, and if so, how to go about getting your child into the proper program with the Social Security Administration so that he or she can begin receiving their benefits as soon as possible.  Fortunately, the Social Security Administration has a program set up to provide disability benefits to disabled children. This program is different than SSDI, which is for adults who have become disabled after working for a set amount of time. Instead, your child will generally recover through SSI:

• To prove that your child is disabled, he or she must have severely limited abilities as a result of the disability, and this must be verified by doctors, teachers, therapists, and other individuals.  
• For children born with certain disabilities or diseases such as HIV, cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome, and total blindness or total deafness, the disability is presumed and payments can begin almost immediately.  
• For all other children, the normal process of applying for a disability benefit must be followed.  
• The program will last until the child turns 18 or until the disability is cured or has ended in death, whichever comes first.

You may wish to consult with a lawyer to help you apply for SSI benefits so you can begin receiving those payments as quickly as possible.