If you’re a parent whose child was born with Down Syndrome you’re not alone. There are almost 6,000 children born with Down Syndrome every year in the U.S. If you are having a tough time paying for your child’s medical care and living expenses because you had to take time off work to take care of them, you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Types Of Down Syndrome
There are two primary types of Down Syndrome that children can be born with: Trisomy 21 or Mosaic Down Syndrome. When children are born with Trisomy 21 they have 3 copies of the 21 chromosomes instead of 2. Children that are born with Mosaic Down Syndrome have some cells that have the correct number of chromosomes and some that don’t. Because some of the cells do have the correct number of chromosomes children with Mosaic Down Syndrome may have less severe symptoms than children with Trisomy 21.
SSI Benefits For Down Syndrome
It’s far more likely for children to be born with Trisomy 21 rather than Mosaic Down Syndrome. In most cases children that are born with Trisomy 21 will automatically qualify for SSI. But you will still need to submit medical records and a letter of diagnosis with your child’s application. You need to submit at least one of these reports with your application:
- A laboratory report of karyotype analysis signed by a doctor.
- A laboratory report of karyotype analysis not signed by a doctor with a statement by a physician that the child has Down syndrome.
- A doctor’s report indicating the child has 21 trisomy or chromosome 21 translocation consistent with a prior karyotype analysis, with the distinctive physical features of Down syndrome.
- A doctor’s report indicating that the child has Down syndrome and has symptoms of Down Syndrome including the distinctive physical features of Down syndrome. Parent should also include evidence indicating the child has an intellectual disability related to Trisomy 21.
If your child has Mosaic Down Syndrome, you will also need to submit medical evidence that shows your child meets the requirements for one of the conditions in the SSA’s Blue Book that are associated with Down Syndrome like:
- Congenital heart disease
- Sleep-related breathing disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea
- Hearing loss, such as that caused by recurrent ear infections
- Intellectual disability or low iq
- Thyroid disorders
You should include as much medical evidence, including disability forms from doctors, as you can to show that your child’s condition meets the Blue Book requirements.
Financial Requirements For Social Security Disability
SSI is a program to help low-income families pay for unexpected medical expenses and living expenses when they have a disabled or sick child. To make sure that the money from SSI is going to parents that really need it the SSA has created a income limits that you must meet before your child will be approved for SSI.
Starting A Claim For Disability Benefits For A Child
You can start an application for SSI on the SSA’s website. If you need help applying for disability, you can schedule an appointment at your local SSA office or call the SSA toll free 1-800-772-1213.
Sources Found Via:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/110.00-MultipleBody-Childhood.htm#110_06
https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/faq/forms-doctor-fills-out
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11015.pdf
https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/blog/help-apply-for-benefits