I am not sure about this.

Question

i gave birth to my baby girl at 36 weeks and she was 4 pounds. someone told me you can get social secruity for premature babies. i never heard of this. she is healthy now and ok but i am not sure how that works. has anyone ever heard of this before? thank you

Answer 1

At the hospital you are able to request a social security  number when you're there.  If you're still there you should be able to do it through them.  If you're at home, here's a link for the page that has all the info on how to do it yourself including a form to apply.

Answer 2

My niece was born 4 pounds too and her mother gets SS for her but she also has a developmental issue.  Check into it.

Answer 3

I thought the hospital recomend it to you once you have your baby if they were born premies

Answer 4

kick her in the shin

Answer 5

Usually SSI is for preemies who were very premature, like 22 - 26 weeks and less than 2 lbs, I can't remember the exact cut off. Since these babies often have oxygen at home and a couple of monitors (pulse ox & apnea monitor), they are probably in a different situation than it sounds like your preemie is. They can't do what other babies their  age can do, like breathe on their own.  

SSI is a welfare program, so it is income and asset based, it's the same benefits that homeless people receive.

However, if your baby is developmentally delayed or physically disabled, she may qualify for SSI, if your income is low enough and you don't have too many assets. Some Social Security offices are very strict though, at the one near me, they had big signs stating that not all people with Cerebral Palsy qualify for benefits. (Sometimes CP can be very mild, other times it's very disabling.) Generally, it's very difficult now to get SSI unless a child has serious issues.

It's worth it to go in to Social Security and ask about it. The worst they can do is say no. There might also be a form online to help figure out if she qualifies. http://www.ssa.gov/

If your daughter needs developmental help, call your local Early Intervention office.

Good luck!