Were someone to ask you who in California might qualify for Social Security disability benefits, the first thought to enter your mind may be of an adult whose disabling condition prevents them from working in order to support themselves. Such is the assumption of most that come to see us here at The Law Offices of Kelly, Duarte, Urstoeger & Ruble, LLP.
The question of who might need SSD benefits, however, may be another matter entirely. For example, you (as the parent of a child struggling with a disability) might attest to the fact that their treatment is costly, which could impose an undue financial burden on you and your family. Oftentimes that burden begins right from the moment of your child’s birth.
Defining a failure to thrive
Many infants experience a failure to thrive, yet if your child’s lingers, it many impact their early development. Those first few months of life are crucial in establishing a pattern of healthy growth. Thus, your pediatrician may recommend intervention to combat any developmental delays.
The question then becomes whether your child’s condition qualifies for financial assistance to help meet the cost of such intervention. Per the Social Security Administration’s List of Impairments, it does, but only if their case meets certain criteria. Three documented incidents of weight-for-length or body-mass-index measurements that place them in the lower third percentile for their respective age group meets this standard.
Demonstrating developmental delays
In addition, your child must demonstrate at least one developmental delay that is at least two standard deviations below the mean (or at less then two-thirds the level expected) for their respective age, or two documented delays that are at least 120 days apart.
You can find more information on qualifying for SSD benefits throughout our site.
