Los Angeles SSI for Children Lawyer
Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law is a reputable firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in Social Security disability cases for children. Our full-service law firm has over 60 years of combined experience with a proven record in obtaining the maximum compensation for our clients. If your family has a child with a disabling physical, mental, or medical condition, we understand the urgency of getting help and financial assistance. If you need an expert in securing SSI benefits for children, continue reading.
Overview of SSI Benefits for Children
Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law provides expert legal representation to families seeking Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for their children. A child may have a physical or mental disability. In addition to affecting their long-term health, a child’s condition could place a heavy burden on their family’s finances, especially if they already had limited resources. In these situations, SSI can help provide payments to ease the burden and help support the child. If you are currently seeking help for a disabled child, contact a Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney to start the claims process to receive SSI payments.
Eligibility Criteria for SSI Benefits for Children
The United States Social Security Administration handles all claims for Social Security disability benefits. The SSA states that any child under 18 can qualify for SSI benefits if:
- The child has a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits their activities
- The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
In addition to meeting the long-term disability requirement stated above, there must be limited income and resources in the qualifying family’s household. As such, one must prove the applicant’s disability in addition to showing proof of limited financial means. As the disability law is very strict on who can obtain benefits, it is always recommended to contact a Social Security disability lawyer before you start work on a claim.
At Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law, we understand the importance social security benefits have on deserving families. That is why we are leaders in the industry for securing the maximum amount of SSDI benefits.
Disability Benefits for Adult Disabled Children
There are situations when disabled adult children may qualify for social security benefits. Generally, children can receive benefits until 18 or 19 if they are a disabled full-time high school student. Additionally, if a child has been considered disabled before age 22, they may be eligible to receive benefits if a parent has died, or is collecting retirement or disability payment. Call our office to learn more about adult children’s benefits.
The Legal Process to Receive SSI Benefits for Children
As with any kind of government benefit, the application process is going to be reviewed thoroughly to avoid any fraudulent representation. Anyone who files for SSDI benefits must make sure all the necessary paperwork required is completed thoroughly and accurately to avoid being denied benefits.
The first step to receive a child’s benefits is to fill out a Child Disability Report and an application for SSI. The Child Disability Report must provide information regarding the child’s physical or mental disabling condition and how it affects their daily life. In other words, the report will document how the child qualifies as disabled under the law. To determine if your child’s disability qualifies, the local social security office will ask you to sign a form asking for permission to contact your child’s healthcare providers. The claims examiner will talk with your child’s providers and collect your child’s medical records to validate that the child has any documented physical, mental, or medical conditions that meet the eligibility requirements.
After the Child Disability Report is complete, an SSI Application must be filed with the Social Security Administration. This is to ensure that the child qualifies economically for SSI payments. You can only receive benefits if the household qualifies as low income. As part of the application, the family must list all forms of income and assets.
There will also be an interview conducted by a social security representative. Be sure to have information about the child’s medical condition, and names of all doctors, teachers, therapists, schools, etc. ready. Your Social Security disability lawyer can help prepare you for your interview.
What if an SSI Claim is Denied?
You must appear before an administrative law judge. If the outcome of the hearing is not favorable, you then must appear before the appeals council with your case. If the council denies your claim, your final option is to file an action in federal court.
Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law have successfully obtained favorable outcomes in previously denied cases. There is only a limited time to appeal a denial, so contact us today!
Do I Need a Social Security Lawyer?
You need an experienced Los Angeles disability lawyer working on your behalf. Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law can help families with SSI claims by efficiently and accurately obtaining the information needed to file a successful claim. We understand social security’s definition of disabled and work to ensure your application will pass the legal standard. We relieve your stress so you can focus on what matters most – your child. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure social security disability benefits for your disabled child.
Contact Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law
Pisegna & Zimmerman Attorneys at Law is a Los Angeles-based firm specializing in obtaining SSI for children. We understand the unique challenges and complexities involved in SSI claims for children and are committed to helping families navigate the legal process. The U.S. Social Security system does not make it easy to receive benefits programs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront payment expected from you. Contact us now for a free consultation.