Developmental Delays and SSI ??

Question

My 4 yr old was born with developmental delays and is attending a special Therapy and learning school since she was 2. She is now about to get re-evaluated for kindergarten in September and we've attended a special meeting for kids with special needs.

With her developmental delays, she has a short attention span, and sometimes emotional anxieties (it was told to me that she may suffer from PDD and is possibly on the 'autism' spectrum, as well as Sensory Intergration Dysfunction.

Her school has in the past required an all year around learning process because they felt that she had little set backs during her summer vacations and required her to be in school all year long. Although bright, she does have these delays and I applied for SSI and 9 mths later, I just got a letter stating that we were denied because someone put that she was applying due to chronic asthma, which is not the case.

Does SSI consider developmental delays a condition? Should I appeal the decision?

Answer 1

YES. My son who is now 12 has undiagnosed developmental delays. I work now, so we earn over the max to get him SSI- but when I was home with him he did get it. You daughter actually sounds quite alot like my son in fact.

I'm not sure what state you are in, but in my state I had my doctor's contribute most to the SSI application. Make sure the application emphasizes the delay, not the asthma. Also, try calling your SSI office and establishing a relationship with one of the case workers- they are there to help. Explain your situation and ask what you did wrong and what you can do to correct this.

She's only 4, so you do have some obstacles ahead, but start establishing some groundwork now for the future. Call the DMR (dept of mental retardation)(I know this sounds harsh but remember retarded SIMPLY means slower) if she is registered there, you will also have a person to help you figure things out.

My son also receives Medicaid disability insurance even though I have BlueCross through work. This is a huge help with co-pays and tests BC wont cover.

Ask your pediatrician if they have any sort of special needs liaison to help you navigate- ours does and she's been a HUGE help. Also other parents of spec. needs kids in your daughters school could offer advice.

Don't give up- just keep building your daughters records up to give yourself the ammo you might need. Good luck- if you need someone just to talk to-feel free to drop me a line. I know it can be a long frustrating road.

Answer 2

Yes, appeal the decision. Go to your daughter's doctor and explain the situation. Have the Dr.'s office contact social security and send information to correct the mistake of the diagnosis. (Don't be afraid to ask her doctor, they get results a lot faster than you would.) You may want to try getting a definite diagnosis of PDD (anyone labeled as PDD & on the autism spectrum has the same right to all services offered to autistic children) For this you need to have a psychological evaluation done, in which her doctor can refer you for. But I don't believe it's necessary, as the developmental delays do qualify your daughter for SSI. (chronic asthma does not) Good luck to you and your daughter & God Bless.

Answer 3

Depends on the degree of the delay, but SSI also depends on parental income.

You could appeal, and be sure that DD is put on the application.

We were denied, due to income. Which is ironic because they look at gross income instead of what you actually get after the bloodsuckers take out all their taxes, including (irony of ironies) social security. The govt takes half our paycheck, and they don't look at that. Our daughter has severe autism and insurance won't cover therapy, so we have had to remortgage our home to just cover basic therapy and I do the rest.

Answer 4

Yes it is considered a condition, and you should always appeal. They always deny you. This is what the girl at the SS office told me. She told me to always appeal.