Receiving disability benefits for infants newborn to 1 year old

Parents in Kissimmee who have a child that appears to have some form of development problem might not realize that they could be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits for mental conditions. The Social Security Administration has certain criteria in place for children, even those who are ranging in age from newborn to one-year-old. There are certain telltale signs that an infant might not be developing. If they are in evidence, it is possible to receive disability.

If the infant indicates an absence of development in social functioning, cognitive ability, communication, and motor skills, this could be a signal that something is amiss. One of the categories on the disability evaluation from A to E must be satisfied to be approved. For A, if the child is not cognitively developed or communicating on a level more than one-half of his or her age and it is documented by medical findings, it is enough to satisfy this category. For B, if the motor development is not advanced beyond half of the child’s chronological age and it is proven through medical findings or a standardized test, this criteria is met.

With category C, the child might be apathetic, get overexcited, be fearful or show an excessive response to: visual stimulation, auditory stimulation or tactile stimulation. If this is shown, the category’s requirements are met.

With D, the infant might not be able to reciprocate basic social interaction. This is clear by an inability at 6 months of age to exchange with others vocally, visually or in motor skills. It can also be evident at 9 months when the infant cannot communicate, cuddle, protest or show anger. Not replying to the voice of the caregiver or to explore objects that is normal for the child’s age is also a sign.

For category E, the child must not have attained a function or development that has been acquired by children who are two-thirds of the child’s age in two areas or more. Medical findings or standardized tests can be used to prove this.

Having a baby is an exciting time for new parents. That is especially true in the first year as the baby develops. Sometimes, however, there are problems that lead to the baby not developing normally. If this is a possibility, it is important to have the child diagnosed and to seek legal assistance to receive disability benefits.

Source: socialsecurity.gov, “112.12 Developmental and Emotional Disorders of Newborn and Younger Infants (Birth to attainment of age 1),” accessed on June 30, 2015

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