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Applying for SSI With Juvenile Arthritis

Published by Kenneth A. Miller

Basic Disability Criteria

For a child to be considered disabled, generally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that he or she suffers from a mental or physical impairment that results in severe and marked functional limitations AND the condition has lasted, or is anticipated to last, 12 consecutive months or more.

Juvenile Arthritis (JA), Also Referred to as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)

Various conditions including oligoarthritis, polyarthritis (both rheumatoid factor positive and rheumatoid factor negative), psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enthesitis, and undifferentiated arthritis, fall into the broad category of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis includes all forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Certain conditions have been determined by the SSA to be serious enough to automatically qualify for benefits. These conditions are called “listings,” and one of these listings is for inflammatory arthritis.

When Can Children Receive Disability Benefits?

To receive benefits for juvenile arthritis, your child must have medical records that prove he or she meets all the criteria under one of the following sets of symptoms. The persistent deformity or ongoing inflammation causes your child (1) problems using their hands or walking, or (2) body-wide symptoms or problems with their organs, or (3) problems with the spine.

There are specific symptoms that must be included in your child’s medical records in order to file a successful disability claim. The best way to ensure you have the correct documentation is to work with the team of knowledgeable disability lawyers serving Maryville from Miller Disability Law, PC..

Financial Limitations

Children cannot collect benefits under Social Security Disability (SSD), but they may be able to collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Because childhood SSI benefits are dependent on parental income limitations, even if your child meets the SSA’s definition of disabled, your child may not be eligible to collect benefits if your income is too high or you have too many assets. 

Disability Lawyers Near Maryville

Navigating the disability benefits system can be complicated and confusing. The best way to learn more is to contact our compassionate disability lawyers near Maryville – we invite you to contact us today.

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