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Supplemental Security Income for My Autistic Child
Supplemental Security Income for My Autistic Child
About Supplemental Security Income
TheSupplemental Security Income program (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by generaltax revenues. It is not funded bySocial Security taxes. It is not meant as your entire income, but as a supplement, a cash amount in addition to your income. A disabled person receiving SSI payments, for all respective purposes, is one whom's income has been deemed insufficient to meet his needs. The supplement payment helps to bring the disabled person to an income level better able to meet his financial needs. This does not mean that a person receiving SSI will be able to live comfortably on the monthly payments and his other sources of income. In fact in most cases, a person is not able to live well financially on SSI. Most persons will need other benefits as well, but what if you need a little extra money to help you raise your autistic child... Yes, you have the right to apply forSSI benefits to help you provide the basic necessities for yourchild. Basic necessities are defined as shelter, food, clothing and education.
I Want to Apply for SSI for My Autistic Child
Disability claims begin with your application at the Social Security office. You must bring all required paper work, your Social Security card and your child's Social Security card. Bring your drivers license, or state identification. You will take a number, wait to be called and speak to a representative. The representative will go over your application with you, then accept it. Your completed application will be sent to a state Disability Determination Service Center. The processing of your claim can take from a few weeks to a year or longer, but when a decision has been reached, you will be notified by mail.
What Will I Need To Process The Claim?
You will need your child'sbirth certificate, proof that you are the parent of your child as well ascustodial parent, if divorced. You will need proof of your income as well as other financial resources. You will be asked to provide a list of your child's physicians and his schools attended. It is wise to bring copies of your child's IEP, FSIP, report cards, test results and completed reports from teachers, therapists, etc. You will need to describe your child's disabling condition. You may obtain records from your child's treating physician, other M.D.s who have seen your child and D.O.s as well as psychologists, but not chiropractors.
Keep in mind that you must have original documents. Certified copies are acceptable if they are from the office that issued the original document. Documents submitted will be returned to you by mail.
Be sure to keep your own records of filing dates, mailing dates, phone calls to the Social Security office as well as the names of representatives you have spoken with on the phone and in person. In the event of a discrepancy, these records will serve as an important reference.
Phone Appointments
If for any reason you require a phone appointment rather than an office appointment, you may request a phone interview. A scheduled date and time for your phone interview will be mailed to you. You must answer the phone at the scheduled time and answer all questions.
Preparing For A Phone Appointment
To be ready for your phone interview, be sure to have yourSocial Security number for yourself and your child available to give to the interviewer. You will need to answer questions regarding your income and resources, as well as for your child. SSI benefits available to children are based on the parent's income and resource level. It is important to have information regarding your claim readily available for reference.
Remember you must answer the phone call. If you do not answer, you will be sent a letter inviting you to reschedule your appointment. If you do not respond, your claim will be closed. Reschedule and be available to discuss your eligibility.
What Questions Will I Be Asked?
They will want to know your current financial status, includingbank account balances, resources and money owed to you. They will ask aboutveterans benefits, burial funds, real estate in yours or your child's name, disaster benefit amounts and items you have sold, or are being held for resale that you or your child will financially benefit from. They will ask regarding deed and tax appraisal statements for all property you own besides the house in which you live. You will need lease and rent receipts. You will need to report all whom reside with you and your child; their birth dates, medical assistance cards andsocial security numbers. You must give household information including costs for food, utilities, your work expenses, etc. You will be asked if you, or your child is receiving food benefits, medical insurance, etc., from other sources. Do you have a vehicle in your, or your child's name? If so, what make, year, etc.? How much do you oweon the vehicle?
Supplemental Security Income is based on your income. This is the reason much of your interview is regarding your finances. In order to prove your earned income, you are required to provide payroll stubs and your tax return from the last year. To show proof ofunearned income, you must provide award letters, bank statements,court orders, receipts indicating how much you receive, how often you receive it and the source of the payments.
They will want information on your child's disabling condition. Please see information under the heading, 'What Will I Need To Process The Claim'.
Your Phone Interview Is Recorded
Your phone interview will be recorded. It is considered a legal report of your circumstances related to eligibility. At the start of the interview you will be asked to identify yourself. You will give your full name, address and your Social Security number. At the end of your phone interview you will be asked to make a statement declaring all of your answers to be correct to the best of your ability.
Be honest and open with your replies... Remember the answers you give can and will be verified for the final report and decision regarding your claim approval. It's okay if you're off a few dollars on an estimate of your bank account balances. It is not okay to forget to mention you've recently received a substantial monetary inheritance. You are liable for all statements including statements of omission. If your case approval is based on untruthful statements by you; you can be held legally responsible and may be required to pay back cash benefits you have unjustly received.
What Happens When My Claim Is Approved?
When your claim is approved, you will receive a cash benefit paid to you on a monthly basis. Your child will also receive medical insurance along with her case approval. The Medicaid coverage will continue even afterSupplemental Security Income payments have ended, as long as you are still within the required eligibility range and as long as you are unable to afford to provide your child with medical insurance.
What If I'm Denied
Most often the decision is a denial. If you are denied, have the right to file an appeal. If you are again denied, you may file a second appeal, a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge. You have a better chance being approved before a judge if you compile your records and present them well. Statistics show most claims are approved at this step. You also have the right to hire an attorney and it may be wise to do this... An attorney will know the laws and be able to get things done in a smoother fashion. He will also make sure you meet filing deadlines.
Reporting Changes
It is your responsibility to report all changes in your living arrangements, financial status, your child's disabling condition and other areas that are required by theSocial Security Administration.
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