According to the American Heart Association, congenital heart defects are the world’s number one birth defect. Childhood heart problems like viral infections and heart failure also affect many children and their families every year. If your child has a heart condition, you may want to see if you qualify for disability benefits. The money you receive could help at an incredibly stressful time.
What kind of childhood heart problems might qualify for disability benefits?
The Social Security Administration (“Social Security”) has a Listing of Impairments (“Listing”) for children’s medical conditions. Section 104 of the Listing covers the cardiovascular system. Some of the conditions they might consider to be an impairment include:
- Chronic heart failure or ventricular dysfunction
- Congenital heart disease
- Myocardial ischemia
- Inadequate cerebral perfusion from any cardiac cause that might cause fainting
Before approving a request for benefits, Social Security will want proof. They will review medical imaging, lab reports, medical history, and so on before making a decision.
When applying for disability benefits, you can provide copies of medical records you already have. Social Security may get additional documents or help you get them.
What kind of benefits are available?
Social Security manages two different programs that offer benefits for people with disabilities.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays out monthly benefits to people unable to work because of a disabling condition. Usually, the disabled person must also have accumulated enough work credits to qualify for disability benefits. SSDI does not directly provide benefits to disabled children, in most cases.
However, some children may be able to receive SSDI dependent benefits. In most cases, at least one parent must be receiving SSDI benefits or was receiving SSDI before passing away.
Also, adults who became disabled before age 22 might be eligible to receive SSDI. Again, one parent must be receiving SSDI or could have received SSDI before passing away. It’s a little complicated, so you should discuss your situation with a disability attorney.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefits to disabled children in low-income families. If your child’s heart problem qualifies as a disability, he or she might be able to receive SSI.
Talk to Us to See If Your Child May Qualify for Disability Benefits
The application process is complicated. You may find it challenging to understand the application and gather supporting documents. It usually helps to have someone in your corner who knows how disability benefits work.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
