Can someone qualify for SSI benefits with mild mental disabilty?

Question

my son is 7 years old and i have now found out from school and teachers that he has MMD, mild mental disabilty which i know will affect his abilities in life. I'm a mother of 4 and on a limited income and i've been told its his right to get it if he qualifies and that we shouldnt suffer financially if SSI can help. Should i go and try and sign him up?

Answer 1

It woudln't hurt to try. You should consider every single option you have available and take advantage of the ones that make sense.

It will depend on the disability and how much it will interfere with living a normal life (getting an education, getting and keeping a job, supporting oneself, etc).

Answer 2

I work in Special Ed. and I think your son will qualify. If I were you I would sign him up.

Answer 3

Yes you can

Answer 4

Get the diagnoses from a physician.

Apply for Social Security Disability.

You will most likely be turned down the first time. Statistics show that most people are turned down on the first application. People who are quad or parapalegic or something devastating like that go through the first time.

Appeal the denial but contact a Social Security Attorney. If your claim is legitamate, it should go through this time or the third time.

The attorney will charge you 25% of any payments given to your child from the arrears. For example, lets say you apply on January 1st of 2007 and you are denied. You appeal and are approved in August of 2007. Social Security will go back and pay from January 1st of 2007 and your attorney will take 25% of that. It's a good deal considering what s/he can get you.

It can be a long process but if you can be patient it is really really worth it in the long run!

Answer 5

if you havent already, request his school to test him to see if he is eligible for special ed.  see if he qualifies for an IEP.

once you do that - take him to a pediactric doctor and get him diagnosed with MMD or what ever else he may have.  i took my son to a counselor and psychiatrist because he was first diagnosed with adhd and the teachers wanted him on ritalin.  so between those two things (iep/doctors) i got ssi for him.  i was shocked, i didn't think they would give me anything.

and when requesting the school to test your child,  do it in writing send it to the school psychologist / teacher/ principal.

Answer 6

Take him to the appropriate medical facility for testing and to be seen by a specialist.  If the tests and the doctor find the MMD truly exists, ask him to write a letter to the Social Security Administration.  That would be the best and fastest way to go.

Answer 7

You can certainly apply but before you do you should get the diagnosis from your doctor/pediatrician.  Social Security will require documentation from your child's doctor not just an opinion from your child's teacher or school.  Social Security may require further testing/evaluation so be prepared you may have to do that.. it should be no cost to you since they have their own doctors they deal with.  Since he is under 18, they count your income.

If you are turned down, you have the right to appeal.