Deafness and SSI?

Question

Would a child born partially deaf qualify for SSI? We have more testing in a few weeks for her. I am afraid we will be unable to get her the help she needs without some type of assistance. She has really good insurance now, but it doesn;t cover 100% and is through my husbands employer, so if he were to change jobs.....

If further testing says yes, she is for sure deaf in that ear, I want to do everything I can to make sure she is self-sufficient as an adult, I just know we will need help to do that.

I saw where many answered other questions about SSI saying that no they couldn;t because social security is only for those over 65. Before I get any of those answers, you're wrong..it is also available for the disabled, children who have lost a parent, and children of the disabled.

Answer 1

Yes, it depends if your total income meets the requirements for children to receive it. Why don't you make an appointment at the Social Security office to apply and see if it can work out for your child. A representative would have all of the answers to your questions. I once knew a hard of hearing person that qualified for SSI, and he could talk on the phone. So if your child is deaf in one ear, then why not? That is still a disability.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-c...

For future reference, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation pays for college tuition and textbooks for the disabled including the deaf. I went to a state university, and they paid for it. I also had SSI to help pay my bills while being a student. I went to CSUN which has the largest deaf center on the West coast. On the East coast, the largest is RIT and Galludent University. I'm sure there are more smaller ones at other colleges. They all have amazing services to help the deaf student to become self-sufficient with great support and inspiration.

The school is also required by law to accomodate your child in interpreting services through all grades. There's many interpreting options to fit your child's needs such as real-time captioning with the use of a laptop which also can print out notes, notetaking, sign interpreter, and oral interpreter.

Make sure your child can receive the information 100%. I went through school from K to H.S. w/o an interpreter while being profoundly deaf. Even though I was taught to lipread and listen as best with my hearing aids, it was still impossible for me to get everything. Most I could get was 50% but luckily my brains still got me ahead just fine. I didn't start using interpreting services until I went to college after I learnt sign language.

Feel free to msg me if you have any other questions.

Answer 2

ssi goes by total disability, and total household income.  Also you would need to be on SSI or SSD for your daughter to qualify.  If your husband changes jobs, as long as there is no time of dropped coverage your daughter will be accepted on the new insurance plans.  Look into major hospitals and medical schools, etc.  Here in Houston Texas Children's Hospital, St Jude's etc, offer services to children with a low household income.

I want to comment on the other response. It does not just go by total household income. You have to be 100%  disabled. I know this because I went through it, and I also started lobbying Congress and state reps. I will speak to you more through the emails :)

  I admire you for your efforts to help your child :)  Remember though, You can treat it, well not treat it as a disability. Use this as a advantage. Basically love, teach a strong self worth, and your daughter will be just great. :)  

  Also if you need help with insurance problems email me.

God Bless

check out www.ssa.gov