What To Expect When Filing A Texas SSI Claim For Your Disabled Child

Applying for Social Security Disability income may seem like a long and sometimes frustrating process at times. When experiencing long lines, extended wait times on phone calls, declined claims, and appeals, a typical 3-5 month wait time may seem like an eternity. When your child is the one with the disability, the process can be exhausting. Here’s what to expect when filing your Texas Supplemental Security Income claim on behalf of your disabled child.

How to Know if Your Child Qualifies

Your disabled child must meet all of these requirements in order to be considered “disabled” by the Texas Social Security Agency and the Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services.

Must be under age 18 and not working, or must meet maximum monthly income exceptions determined annually
Must have a physical or mental disability that results in “marked and severe functional limitations” which limits daily activities
Disability must have been present (or expected to be disabling) for at least 12 months, or must result in death

The Determination Process (can take 3-5 months)

Income and Resources– Income earned by working teens, and by non-disabled parents is considered when determining any benefit amount. This is called deeming.
You must authorize applicable doctors, therapists, teachers, etc… to provide documentation about your child’s disability to the Texas Social Security Office.
Personally providing any school or medical records to the office can help speed up the process.

What Happens Next?

Applications are forwarded to the Texas Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services for determination.

Some disabilities qualify for immediate coverage – Down syndrome, total blindness/deafness, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, HIV infection and others

Reviews – By law, SSI cases must be periodically reviewed, to ensure your child is still disabled.

If the condition is expected to improve, reviews should be conducted every three years.
If the condition is considered permanent, reviews will still occur to verify your child is receiving medically necessary treatments for his or her condition.

Our board certified Texas disability attorneys at Morgan & Weisbrod have decades of experience fighting for the disability rights of Texas residents, and we are here for you. Contact us today at 1-800-800-6353 to get your Texas Supplemental Security Income questions answered, and begin the process of getting the compensation your disabled child needs.

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