Kids with learning disabilities can require a lot of extra help to keep up in school. This can include medication, tutors and therapy. All of these things can be extremely costly, leading to parents of children with disabilities being unable to afford to provide their kids with the help they need to develop into adults capable of attending college, finding a job and living independently. Therefore, receiving some type of financial assistance can be crucial for the development and well-being of kids with learning disabilities.
Since they have not worked, children are not eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, kids can collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How Can Kids with Learning Disabilities Collect SSI?
It is very difficult for kids with learning disabilities to collect Social Security Disability benefits. First, proof must be provided that the child has functional limitations that are severe and will last for at least a year. Signs that a child’s functional limitations are severe enough to qualify for disability benefits include he or she being unable to interact with others, complete tasks and learn.
Psychiatric disorders, such as a speech disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), are common learning disabilities. If a child has more than one of this disorders, Social Security will factor that in to their decision to approve or deny the child’s disability benefits claim.
In some cases, Social Security will use an IQ test to determine if a child qualifies for disability benefits. If a child’s IQ is 59 or lower, he or she will qualify for disability benefits. If a child’s IQ test score is 60-70 and he or she has an addition mental or physical impairment, he or she may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
