Federal Assistance for Families of Disabled Childern

Social security benefits are available for individuals and dependents who suffer from cerebral palsy and experience severe or moderate motor dysfunction. If a child’s condition affects their mobility, or if they have difficulty standing or using their hands, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration.

A severe form of motor dysfunction would include any lack of coordination which would prevent a child from walking or standing without assistance. A lack of coordination that disrupts the achievement of movement of the arms or legs or larger muscle groups would be a sign of severe dysfunction. More moderate dysfunction in a child may qualify if it is accompanied by an IQ of 70 or less and the child also has trouble speaking or hearing. A child affected by cerebral palsy who also has a debilitating mental or emotional disorder would also qualify.

Sometimes families need financial assistance immediately, which is why the SSA also provides benefits to children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and who exhibit severe impairment of speech, coordination or problems with mobility.

If you have a child with cerebral palsy who suffers from severe or even moderate dysfunction, you can call the Social Security Administration for a consultation and request an application. Once the application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by a claims examiner who will then request the child’s medical records to determine their eligibility. If accepted, financial assistance will be awarded.