Can My Disabled Child Get SSI for Asthma Care Costs?

The Link Between Disabilities and Asthma in Children

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that children with disabilities and developmental delays have an increased risk of developing asthma. Researchers analyzed medical records from over 2 million children in the United States and found higher rates of asthma among those with conditions like autism, ADHD, hearing loss, and Down syndrome compared to children without disabilities.

Key Findings of the Study

Some key findings from the analysis include:

• Children with autism were over 50% more likely to have asthma
• ADHD was associated with a 30% higher asthma risk
• Hearing loss was linked to double the chances of having asthma
• Down syndrome increased asthma likelihood by over 2.5 times

While the study does not determine direct causation, the results clearly demonstrate an association between developmental disabilities and delays with increased asthma susceptibility in kids.

Reasons for the Connection

Researchers are still investigating why this connection exists, but some theories include:

• Genetic factors that contribute to both disabilities and asthma development
• Environmental exposures that affect neurological and respiratory system development
• Medications used to treat disabilities that may also provoke asthma
• Limited communication abilities preventing children from describing asthma symptoms

SSI Benefits for Children with Asthma

Seeing as children with developmental conditions and delays face amplified asthma risk, an important consideration is coverage for the associated medical costs.

Asthma is a chronic health condition that can incur expensive doctor visits, hospital bills, and prescription medications over time. These expenses may present difficulties for families, especially if a child already requires costly care related to disability or delay diagnoses.

Fortunately, Social Security offers some assistance programs that may help in these scenarios.

SSI Benefits Overview

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Social Security program that pays monthly benefits to disabled children from low-income households based on financial need. To qualify for childhood SSI benefits with asthma:

• The child must meet Social Security's definition of disability due to a medically determinable condition like asthma that severely limits daily functioning and is expected to last at least one year or result in death
• Parents must meet strict household income limits set by SSI
• Other household assets must fall below a specified threshold

If approved, SSI disability benefits can help offset costs associated with the child's asthma, including medications, equipment, therapy, transportation to doctors, and more based on the family's demonstrated need.

Application Process

Applying for childhood SSI involves:

1. Contacting Social Security to begin the application
2. Providing records related to the child's medical conditions, test results, treatments, hospitalizations, and specialists involved in care
3. Establishing household income levels through pay stubs, bank statements, and other financial records
4. Cooperating with any medical or school evaluations requested by Social Security to assess disability and function
5. Attending any scheduled interviews with the child

Social Security representatives will request all the documentation necessary to evaluate eligibility for childhood disability benefits based on the child's asthma severity. The more evidence provided from the start, the faster a determination can be made regarding SSI approval.

Getting Support

Since Social Security disability rules for children can be complex, many parents choose to have an experienced lawyer assist with the application process. An SSI attorney can ensure all required medical evidence is obtained and help demonstrate how asthma impacts the child's health and daily activities when making the disability case to Social Security.

Professional assistance is key when seeking financial assistance for children with disabilities and ongoing asthma needs.

Long-Term Planning

While SSI can offset some medical costs associated with asthma management for disabled children, benefits do not continue forever. Payments cease if the child's health improves such that disability status ends. Families must then find alternative coverage options.

It is wise for parents of children receiving SSI for asthma-related disabilities to develop longer term plans that account for potential changes in benefit eligibility. Possibilities like special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, Medicaid waivers, private health insurance, and more should be explored for maintaining care if, and when, SSI payments stop.

Proper planning ensures consistent access to the doctors, medications, equipment, and support systems children require to control symptoms and thrive with disabilities and asthma over their lifetime.

Key Takeaways

The main points for parents to remember are:

• Developmental conditions like autism increase children's risk for asthma
• Asthma is an expensive, chronic disease requiring comprehensive management
• SSI from Social Security can help fund care costs for children with long-term disability due to uncontrolled asthma
• Work with an experienced lawyer when applying for childhood disability benefits
• Always have backup options ready for when SSI payments end

Understanding the link between disabilities and asthma susceptibility empowers parents to get their child screened, seek available assistance programs, and plan for a healthy future, financially and physically.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.