Children Cerebral Palsy
Often when we think of "SSDI benefits" from the Social Security Administration, we think of the elderly aged 65 and over who have paid into the system for their whole lives to collect a small pittance of retirement money later in life when they can no longer work. However, children under the age of 18 who were born with a disability like children cerebral palsy may also be eligible. Often times, one of the child's parents will need to take time off work to care for their special needs child, which can make the financial situation tight. Plus, medical expenses can be extremely high without the best insurance. When you apply for Social Security, you will likely also be approved for Medicaid, which will reduce your health care premiums as well.
Children with cerebral palsy require medical expenses and caregiver requirements that can be very demanding. To assist you with some of your needs, Social Security offers eligible families benefits for their child with CP. Typically, to apply for Social Security you must be over 65, blind or disabled. Children under 18 can qualify if he or she meets Supplemental Security Income's definition of "disability" and if your household income falls within the eligibility requirements. These numbers vary from state to state, so it's best that you check with your state social security program.
In addition to receiving SSDI benefits to help your household cover lost wages or living expenses related to children cerebral palsy, your child will also likely be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is a health care program that covers people with low incomes and extremely limited resources. Often, Medicaid comes automatically with Social Security eligibility, but even children who may not qualify for benefits may receive Medicaid. In some cases, your household income may be too high to qualify for Medicaid. Do not despair, as the State Children's Health Insurance Program allows states to provide health insurance to working families who cannot afford private insurance, doctors, prescription drugs, vision or hearing services and mental health counseling. You can get more information on these programs at www.cms.hhs.gov/home/schip.asp or by calling 1-877-543-7669.
As of 2003, the average lifetime cost for children cerebral palsy care is $921,000, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This figure does not even include expenses for hospital stays or home care, adaptive equipment (like motorized bikes, which can cost $2,000 or special toilet chairs that cost $1,000), leg braces or wheelchairs (which cost around $3,000), medication and housing modifications, such as wheelchair ramps! Few American families have such funds available, particularly if one of the parents must curb back hours at work to care for the cerebral palsy child. This is why it's important for families to examine all their options, including social security disability benefits, to make ends meet.
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