What qualifies a child for disability

[RRevak]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

I wanted to run this by you guys before I talked to my kiddos doctors. My youngest child was born with a major heart condition. We've already had one open heart surgery and its now looking like we are more than likely going to have to head back in for another soon. She has had cardiologist visits regularly since she was almost a month old, Synagis injections every month since a month old, and a dermatologist aside from her regular cardio doc and pediatrician to treat skin issues arising from the medications she is on (which are several, given several times per day). The bills were manageable but with the recent surgery, and the looming potential for another (with more expected as she gets older), things are starting to take their financial toll. Someone recommended to me that I file for disability for her based on this being a condition she will have for the rest of her life and will impact her quality of life forever. I assumed that she wasn't disabled enough but since i'm completely unfamiliar with what disability is based on I figured I'd ask. Would this be something she could get assistance for? We don't qualify for medicaid as my husbands income is over the bracket for a family of 5 but I admit I haven't checked recently so i'm not sure if that's an option. Does anyone know if there are other venues I can pursue? Thanks everyone

 

[TheGeekess]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

I wanted to run this by you guys before I talked to my kiddos doctors. My youngest child was born with a major heart condition. We've already had one open heart surgery and its now looking like we are more than likely going to have to head back in for another soon. She has had cardiologist visits regularly since she was almost a month old, Synagis injections every month since a month old, and a dermatologist aside from her regular cardio doc and pediatrician to treat skin issues arising from the medications she is on (which are several, given several times per day). The bills were manageable but with the recent surgery, and the looming potential for another (with more expected as she gets older), things are starting to take their financial toll. Someone recommended to me that I file for disability for her based on this being a condition she will have for the rest of her life and will impact her quality of life forever. I assumed that she wasn't disabled enough but since i'm completely unfamiliar with what disability is based on I figured I'd ask. Would this be something she could get assistance for? We don't qualify for medicaid as my husbands income is over the bracket for a family of 5 but I admit I haven't checked recently so i'm not sure if that's an option. Does anyone know if there are other venues I can pursue? Thanks everyone

Check the SSA website?

 

[Onderzoek]

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/104.00-Cardiovascular-Childhood.htm

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-deeming.htm

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a disability program for children and adults who are part of a family with limited income and resources. The formula of how income is counted is complex and is based on income received each month. If the parental income is low enough for the SSI to be paid as low as $1.00, then there would be Medicaid through the SSI program is most states.

Going through the process is the best way to find out if your income is low enough and if so, if her medical condition is severe enough. Start at the web site www.socialsecurity.gov and make an appointment to file 1-800-772-1213

If your income is too high, you could decide to make other changes if getting Medicaid is more important.

 

[Pinkie39]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

I wanted to run this by you guys before I talked to my kiddos doctors. My youngest child was born with a major heart condition. We've already had one open heart surgery and its now looking like we are more than likely going to have to head back in for another soon. She has had cardiologist visits regularly since she was almost a month old, Synagis injections every month since a month old, and a dermatologist aside from her regular cardio doc and pediatrician to treat skin issues arising from the medications she is on (which are several, given several times per day). The bills were manageable but with the recent surgery, and the looming potential for another (with more expected as she gets older), things are starting to take their financial toll. Someone recommended to me that I file for disability for her based on this being a condition she will have for the rest of her life and will impact her quality of life forever. I assumed that she wasn't disabled enough but since i'm completely unfamiliar with what disability is based on I figured I'd ask. Would this be something she could get assistance for? We don't qualify for medicaid as my husbands income is over the bracket for a family of 5 but I admit I haven't checked recently so i'm not sure if that's an option. Does anyone know if there are other venues I can pursue? Thanks everyone

When did you last check into Medicaid? The income limits have expanded greatly, since the passage of the ACA, especially for children.

I assume you currently have medical insurance through your husband's employer. If so, and you are approved for Medicaid for your daughter, the private insurance would remain primary, and Medicaid would be secondary, only paying what isn't covered under the private insurance.

I work as an eligibility specialist for my local county department of job and family services, so I have a chart at work with the federal income limits for what's called "MAGI Medicaid" - the Medicaid expansion. I wish I had it at home, so I could let you know what they are.

Edit: I Googled MAGI Medicaid and found a link to the income limits as of July 2014. I'd post a link but don't know if that's allowed.

 

[Shadowbunny]

RRevak, I have no advice or insight, but please know I'm praying for your daughter and your entire family.

 

[single317dad]

When did you last check into Medicaid? The income limits have expanded greatly, since the passage of the ACA, especially for children.

In some states, yes. At my last count, Florida was not one of those states.

 

[Ladyback1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

I wanted to run this by you guys before I talked to my kiddos doctors. My youngest child was born with a major heart condition. We've already had one open heart surgery and its now looking like we are more than likely going to have to head back in for another soon. She has had cardiologist visits regularly since she was almost a month old, Synagis injections every month since a month old, and a dermatologist aside from her regular cardio doc and pediatrician to treat skin issues arising from the medications she is on (which are several, given several times per day). The bills were manageable but with the recent surgery, and the looming potential for another (with more expected as she gets older), things are starting to take their financial toll. Someone recommended to me that I file for disability for her based on this being a condition she will have for the rest of her life and will impact her quality of life forever. I assumed that she wasn't disabled enough but since i'm completely unfamiliar with what disability is based on I figured I'd ask. Would this be something she could get assistance for? We don't qualify for medicaid as my husbands income is over the bracket for a family of 5 but I admit I haven't checked recently so i'm not sure if that's an option. Does anyone know if there are other venues I can pursue? Thanks everyone

ya know? You should apply for Social Security.
The absolute worst thing they can say is "I'm sorry, she doesn't qualify".

I have been very blessed w/ healthy children, so I really have no idea what you are going through...however, being a mom I can imagine how it is when there is something wrong that Momma can't fix!

Blessing and good thoughts for you, your family and the wee one!