Social Security Benefits for the Mentally Impaired Children

A mental disorder is among the worst things that a parent may dread could happen to her child. It is always a very complicated situation. Specialists of all kinds are required to assist the parent. A specialist not to be overlooked is the lawyer specializing in Social Security Disability Benefits.

An experienced Disability Attorney is important not just for the hearing. It's important to consult with an SSD Lawyer early in the process of applying for benefits, as that's when a lawyer can set you on the path to success. Whether it's enrolling your child in the right school program or making sure that your child is getting the medical treatment he/she needs, a disability attorney will help you get the documentation needed to win.

Children, ranging from infants to teenagers, are entitled to financial assistance when they fit one of a dozen categories established by the federal government. Those categories are neurocognitive disorders, schizophrenia and psychotic, depressive and bipolar, intellection disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, somatic disorders, personality and impulse-control disorders, autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders, infant development disorder and trauma- related disorders.

The Social Security Administration [SSA] evaluates under an age appropriate standard and requires that the child have one extreme limitation or two marked limitations in functioning. The impairment criteria must be serious and persistent. The SSA is looking to see medical records showing at least 2 years of treatment and diagnosis.

A neurocognitive disorder involves problems with memory, learning, planning, observing, speaking and judgment. The problem might arise from a traumatic brain injury, a brain tumor, viral infection, poisoning or reaction to drugs, medications.

A schizophrenic or psychotic disorder involves delusions, hallucinations, catatonic behavior and trouble speaking coherently. The child might be withdrawn, have a flat affect in responding or paranoia. Depression is another category. The judge considers suicidal ideation, significant changes in weight, appetite, sleep, speech, and impulse control.

Intellectual disorder can often be determined by testing by psychologists, school administrators. Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders are panic attacks, restlessness, fears, frequent complaints. Judges consider the child's age and the persistence and severity of the symptoms in finding disability.

Somatic disorders include pain. Gastrointestinal pain is the most common. Seizure activity is included under this category, along with significant sight and hearing limitations. 

Personality disorders involve persistent behavior that is inappropriate or grossly out of proportion to a situation. Eating disorder is considered disabling when the child is consuming so little or so much food or fluid that physical or psychological health is significantly impaired. Trauma is an area of disorder that gives judges a difficult time. The term PTSD ("Post Traumatic Stress Disorder") is commonly used in today's society and that is a problem because it becomes trivial. It is difficult to get benefits if a child claims to be disabled from routine parental discipline. When PTSD is caused by a supervising adult, often it goes unreported. Intensive and extensive psychological records are often needed for judicial hearings. The child needs to be able to confide with a counselor he or she trusts.

The SSA provides their judges with rules of how to evaluate each of these disorders. SSD Lawyers know what these rules are as well. The Lowell SSD Lawyers at Marcotte Law Firm can assist the parents of children with mental disorders in getting the correct medical treatment, in obtaining the needed school records and in preparing the child and parent for hearing.

If you have a child with a mental impairment, there's no time to waste. Contact the Lowell SSD Attorneys at Marcotte Law Firm for a free consultation. There's no fee unless your child get the benefits he/she needs.