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Disabled Children Are Entitled to SSI Benefits

March 29, 2019 Blog

Tampa Social Security Disability Lawyer

Minors do not generally have a significant enough work history to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but legislators considered the ramifications of a serious disability on a minor and their family, and have developed alternative means through which such an individual can secure necessary benefits — more specifically, the Social Security Act gives disabled minors an opportunity to recover Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to cover the losses associated with their impairment.

Here at the Office of Mike Murburg, P.A., we have extensive experience working with disabled children and their families, and are committed to helping them to secure the benefits they need to survive and thrive despite their impairments.  Contact us today for guidance.

What Qualifies a Child for Disability Benefits?

Children (i.e., minors) may be deemed disabled and therefore qualified to receive SSI benefits if they have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in marked or severe functional limitations.  The limitations must also last for at least one year or must be expected to result in death.

Critically, as children are not expected to work, the disability definition is not reliant on one’s ability to engage in substantial gainful activity, as is typical for adults claimants.  It’s worth noting, however, that if a child is capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity then they will not be entitled to SSI benefits, as their engagement in such activity is proof of their lack of a disability.

In determining whether the child is suffering from a disability, there must be an assessment of the six domains of impairment:

  • Acquiring and using information
  • Attending and completing tasks
  • Interacting and relating with others
  • Moving about and manipulating objects
  • Caring for yourself
  • Health and physical well-being

Marked limitations (more than a moderate limitation, but not extreme) in two or more of the domains of impairment will be sufficient for a disability finding.  In the alternative, severe limitations (extreme limitation) in just one domain of impairment will also be sufficient for a disability finding.

Contact the Office of Mike Murburg, P.A. for a Free Consultation

Attorney Mike Murburg has more than three decades of experience exclusively representing claimants who are attempting to secure critical benefits, including SSI disability benefits for their children.  He is committed to overcoming the unique challenges associated with the disability benefits process and taking advantage of the unique opportunities available in such matters.

We invest a substantial amount of time, attention, and effort into developing a close relationship with each client — this has value beyond excellent customer service.  By understanding the client’s goals, preferences, and anxieties, we are well-equipped to represent their interests at every stage of the disability benefits process, from submission to appeal.

Call 813-264-5363 or send us a message online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a skilled Tampa social security disability lawyer at our firm.