Can I Get Disability for Cerebral Palsy?
The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary in type and severity. That means some people who suffer from cerebral palsy will qualify for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits and some will not. This post provides general information about eligibility for SSDI for cerebral palsy, but there’s no substitute for advice from an experienced disability benefits advocate. To learn more about your rights, call us at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form.
Qualifying for SSDI With Cerebral Palsy
To receive SSDI for cerebral palsy or any other condition, you must qualify in two different ways. First, you must be technically eligible for Social Security benefits. Second, you must meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) definition of “disabled.”
Most SSDI applicants must have a sufficient number of Social Security work credits to qualify for disability benefits. The number credits required varies depending on how old the applicant was when they became disabled. For many who are applying due to cerebral palsy, though, the test is different. That’s because cerebral palsy typically onsets at birth or in very early childhood. That means someone who is disabled by cerebral palsy may never have been able to work.
When someone becomes disabled before the age of 22, they may be able to qualify based on the work record of a parent. However, that option is only available when the parent is deceased (and had accrued sufficient work credits to qualify for Social Security benefits) or is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
Meeting the SSA Definition of Disability
An applicant may qualify for SSDI for cerebral palsy by meeting the Blue Book listing for the condition, or by showing that they are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
The Blue Book criteria are met if the applicant either:
- Suffers from disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in extreme limitation in the ability to stand from a seated position, balance while standing or walking, or the ability to use upper extremities, OR
- Marked limitation in physical function and in at least one of:
- Understanding, remembering or applying information
- Interacting with others
- Concentrating, persisting or maintaining pace
- Adapting or managing oneself, OR
- Significant interference with communication due to speech, hearing or visual deficit
If the applicant doesn’t qualify under the criteria above, they may still receive benefits if the SSA concludes, based on their physical and mental limitations, educational level, age and past work experience, that they cannot earn a living.
Talk to a Disability Benefits Advocate Today
Whether you’re applying for SSDI benefits or appealing a denial, the process can be complicated. The experienced advocates at Disability Help Group have learned the intricacies of the process and the types of evidence the SSA is looking for so you don’t have to. To learn more about how we can help, call 800-800-3332 today.
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