ADHD and SSI Disability

Anna - posted on 05/01/2013

I am considering applying for ssi for my 2 boys they were diagnosed with adhd, odd and one of my boys has a possible learning disability in language. Im just wondering what their chances are of being approved for ssi? And how do I go about this entire process? The boys have me to the point were I cry and cry on an almost daily bases, dont get me wrong they have their good days but but their bad days are bad. I feel so overwhelmed...

Eunice - posted on 04/20/2013

What I was told about ssi n adhd kids is that once approve and receiving ssi it will Label your kids for the rest of their life.. meaning if they. "Out grows it or learns to cope with his adhd" he will still be label n limited to where he can work... now does anyone. If this is true?

Terra - posted on 04/02/2013

I was in the same place last year, well not the same, but similar. After 6 months of playing with meds and doage he is doing much better. It is too late in the year but we gave Brody time off of school, last year when he was 5 and restarted him in kindergarten at age 6. He also does not have many friends, but slowly are surely is getting getter better with the meds. Daytrana 30mg has worked best for the ADHD and has had a huge impact with his anger. I wish you luck.

Ella - posted on 03/03/2013

i pray and love and keep seeking help because all my son has is me i dont get free housing, but he does get medicaid i only get 10hours a week working because it s hard to work with him some times its mentally hard but as long as i have god i cant go wrong!!!!

Stormy Renae - posted on 03/02/2013

In 2009 i got locked up and sent to prison for 2 years while there my kids got put in foster care and when i got out i found out that my 8 year old son is ADHD and he was put on 2 different meds and without it hes out of control and with it he feels different and the way he feels hurts because when i was younger i was put on meds cause i was adhd but i grew out of it.timeouts doesnt work for my son so what else can i do?

Ella - posted on 02/28/2013

my son has adhd, odd, and high tendentcy of bi polar and he is on 3 different meds. he is very defiant, and have a great deal of imaginary friends, that talk and play with him all the time. he has no real friends, and doesnt want to play with anyone his age or older. he doesnt care if he misses out on fun like parks or parties( he says as long as he at home with his mom it doesnt bother him) he has put holes in my wall and lies about everything and im at his school all the time.i really dont know what to do because i feel its unfair to me. its hard to work because of him so i take what i can get. Oh and hes only 6 years old. does any one have any comforting solution on what to do....i really can go on and on...

Samantha - posted on 02/25/2013

I encourage anyone to keep trying for SSI for their child. Make sure you talk to your child's physician or psychiatrist and let them know of your intentions to apply for your child. Stress your need for the insurance to help with these major costs with your child. Don't give up! It is so easy to throw in the towel, if you don't succeed on the first try.

Many people who are not approved the first time are often approved the second time. When it comes time to filling out the application, make sure you document everything. I mean everything in full detail. Describe how their condition affects school and home life. Don't leave anything for them to guess at about your child's condition. Often information is forgotten or not written down on the documents by the doctor, that "gap" in information can be filled by you.

Also include how their behavior affect their interacting with their peers, parents and siblings. Just because they do not ask for the information on the application does not mean you can't offer them a bit more information. Remember when applying for SSI your income also plays a great part into being approved.

lifechanges2day.blogspot.com

Comedian Trese - posted on 02/23/2013

I have a 8 yrs old son and he receive ssi for his ADHD. HE USED TO SCREAM, FALL OUT AND HIT PEOPLE AT SCHOOL IF HE DO NOT GET HIS WAY AND HE WAS TWO THEN. HE IS STILL DOING THIS TO THIS DAY. WHEN HE IS ON HIS MEDS HE DO REALLY GOOD. I HAVE TWIN BOYS WHO ARE TWO YRS OLD AND THEY ARE DOING THE SAME THINGS, BUT ONE OF MY TWINS EAT HIS BOWEL. I HAVE THEM IN A PROGRAM CALL BABIES CANT WAIT BECAUSE THEY ARE DISABLE AS OF LEARNING DISABILITY. I FEEL THEY ARE ADHD BECAUSE THEY HIT THEIR THERAPIST, BITE EACH OTHER AND LEAVE MARKS ON EACH OTHER. THEY SCREAM, FALL OUT AND DO NOT LISTEN WHEN I TELL THEM TO DO SOMETHING. THE PROGRAM THEY ARE IN WILL HELP THEM START SCHOOL EARLY. THEY ARE DRIVING ME INSANE AND I REALLY NEED SOME ADVICE. DO YOU THINK THEY WILL BE APPROVED FOR SSI WITH THEIR DAYCARES RECORD, THERAPIST AND MINE?

Kat - posted on 02/21/2013

Thank you for your encouraging post. I mistakenly posted in another area on this site (because I am new and wasn't aware there were different areas. I was given the rudest comments by someone and called names and on and on I actually deleted my profile and just came back after blocking her.

Machelle - posted on 02/21/2013

You will need to go to your local job and family services and apply for Medicaid or Molina or care source depending on what they feel is best for your child. That will take at least a few months due to you needing to provide income verification and doctor verification. As fo SSI, you will most likely be disapproved/denied SSI the first time you apply. Best bet? Hire an attorney specifically for social security claims. It's a very long process with SSI. Doctor verifications and diagnosis verifications, one on one interviews with a social security administrator, etc etc etc. but with the way the economy is these days, they are trying to lower everyone's SSI payment.. Good luck.

Jeannie - posted on 02/10/2013

Keep fighting the appeals...maybe if they walked in our shoes for a day they would understand what we go through with a child with these disabilities!! I work full time and get no assistance from the government. I have been told by others going through the same thing was since I don't get food stamps, free rent, free medical insurance, etc...that we would be denied because of my income!!!

Samantha - posted on 02/10/2013

Jeannie and Shaun make sure you have documents of everything. I found that is was good to talk to my child's doctor and find out what their perspective was on me filing for SSI for my child. Your child's doctor's have a big play into your child being approved. Many times it is how things are worded on forms the doctors fill out which will determine whether your child is approved or not.
Remember assets also play a huge role in whether your child will be approved or not. SSI is mainly for low income families. I know with all the bills we have and purchasing items for our children, we all feel like low income families. You have to almost be dirt poor to get SSI for a child. Also, when feeling out your child's SSI claim application it is important and I stress important to fill those pages up with information about how their lives are affected by their disorders. (Take a close look at what the therapists information they are providing, assets, school and what the doctor's are putting on the forms.)

I remember asking a doctor long before I even applied for my child what did he think about me applying for SSI for him. He told me you can try but I doubt if he will be approved. That let me know right then and there he was not going to do the necessary paperwork to get my son approved. So, a year past and I started taking my child to a therapist and a different doctor(psychiatrist). I talked to the psychologist and told her of my intentions to apply for my son. She said you won't have a problem. I am just so happy I didn't give up with that first doctor. So, don't give up! I know for a fact there is special way those forms have to be filled out by the doctors. Some little birdie told me that.

It's difficult I know. I am a single mom and as for working, after I go through the meltdowns, the school calling for conferences, breaking up fights between my two kids and cleaning up behind my little special one; my nerves are just shot. So, I stay home and work from here. I try to not feel quilty about not being out in the world working, but I do. I miss getting up and going to work, but it is so hard. You do feel like no one understands, but every blue moon someone will come along that will lend a sympatheic ear. Wow, guess I just needed to vent a little this morning. Sure did help :-)

~Sam~
www.lifechanges2day.blogspot.com

Shaun - posted on 02/09/2013

I have a 6 year old daughter who is adhd and has autism. she also has sleep apnea. she sees three therapist every week and they denied her disability. I appealed it and now waiting for a hearing. I also have a one year old with sleep apnea who has to go back and forth to the doctor. this is a everyday thing for me to the point where I cant even work a full time job anymore. so my question is what and how do I go by getting through this? what makes them feel that they have the right to tell us if our child/children are deserving of disability or not.

Jeannie - posted on 02/08/2013

It's very stressful having a child with severe combined ADD/ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, Dyslexia, and learning disability! Typically nobody understand where you are coming from unless they have a child similar to yours, which is not often!! We have been denied twice and recently went before the judge only to be told, sorry I was going to review your case over the weekend and I just didn't have time and to have his teachers fill out the teacher questionnaire forms again! We waited 2 hours to get that answer and before that waited over a year to get a hearing... We were literally in front of the judge for a whopping 10 minutes!! We now are told we will hear from them via mail for the next hearing which could take up to 3-4 months!! I think they do this hoping you will give up!! We will continue to fight!! Everything is so redundent and has not been an easy process!!! Good luck to all!!

Samantha - posted on 02/04/2013

I totally agree Kath. That amount of money is not a lot when you think of all the bills and other things that have to be taken care of. I am however happy that your son has been approved. I know they will not even allow you to have over 3000 dollars in assets at any given time. Since it is federal government I am only guessing that limit is the same everywhere. We as parents still need our income to pay our household bills and take care of the needs of other children if any. The money from SSI is a great asset to help with medical needs and other certain things the special needs child need, but you practically have to have nothing to get it.

Since the money is so little from SSI, you still end up paying for other out of pocket costs. Even your life insurance policies are scrutinized. If you have a policy that can be cashed in well that is counted as well. If you make over the amount of money allowed during any given month, SSI will deduct it straight from your child's check. :-). So, really you can't own high valued property, no life insurance that can be cashed in, can't make over a certain amount of money. These are things people need to know before even trying to apply, because the long wait is frustrating only to be denied later. I have gone through the process for SSDI with my elderly parents as well as SSI for my son. I know the struggle(smh). Keep your chin up. Keep in mind what you know now about their income guidelines. Those things are not going to change but look at your assets. Many people do not know that there is a limit to what you can have on top of having income. Assets include, car value, home, property, life insurance that can be cashed in, owning any of these items on top of your income will reduce your chances in getting approved.

Samantha
www.lifechanges2day.blogspot.com

Kat - posted on 02/04/2013

Thats totally why I hate Risperdone! And, I got a letter in the mail Friday. My son was approved on the disability end, but they said we make too much money in a month which would be around $1800 and they say it was $1900! Thats the second time I have applied. I give up. How is $1800 or even $1900 a month too much? Just plain nuts!

Samantha - posted on 02/03/2013

Please ladies check out the side effects on that risperdone. If you have a young boy on the medication monitor them closely. Male gynecomastia which is male boobs is a side effect. My son was on the medication and I begin to notice a slight change.

By the way those who are trying to file for SSI a friend and I wrote an ebook about what steps to follow and the different information you need. I won my son's case the first time around. I share everything in the book. I just thought I could help someone get through the process. It's called How to win SSI Benefits for a Child With PDD-NOS "No Lawyer Needed" on Amazon. It's short and to the point. Trust me if I got my son approved the first time around anyone can. You just need to be prepared. I am sure it will help those who have children on different parts of the spectrum. If you need any help figuring out the process send me an email. I will gladly help answer questions if possible.

Samantha

Kat - posted on 01/31/2013

I live in Central Pa. They are on (not sure of spelling) Vyvanise? And my five year old is on Risperdone, and clondine. Do you have an email or facebook account? I would like to chat sometime.

Jennifer - posted on 01/30/2013

I think you have a better shot the second time around. I don't know how they can say you make too much money.... where do you live? We live in PA, and my husband makes around $5000 gross/mo...

The side effects of the meds scare me as well :( What are your sons on?

Kat - posted on 01/30/2013

And I totally agree with your long posting above. People shouldn't be judging us. They have no idea what its like dealing with a child with ADHD currently we just found out 3 of my 5 boys have it. Its not fun and all 3 are on meds which dont seem to be helping much I have to say the side effects are more scarey to me than the benefits. Ugh such is life.....

Kat - posted on 01/30/2013

Yes, I did apply online....

Kat - posted on 01/30/2013

Im currently debating if its worth it...I just dont know.

Kat - posted on 01/30/2013

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for the info. Yeah, they tell me I make too much money! My son gets child support which is only about $277 every two weeks but at the moment his dad is paying an arrears so its around $300 to $415 depends it varies and I am on unemployment they say Im also making to much money thats around $840 a month. So I just give up. I have applied a second time and I am awaiting the phone interview. However, my unemployment runs out in a few weeks.

Jennifer - posted on 01/30/2013

I didn't hire an attorney and my son is receiving SSI.

Dorren - posted on 01/30/2013

Yes this is true, but you be denied automatically if you apply by yourself. You need to hire a disability attorney like Binder & Binder. the payment for attorney 33%, come's out of the retroactive check you will receive from the date of the child first diagnoses.

Jennifer - posted on 01/27/2013

We live in PA and WERE required as of July of last year, so maybe it's a new thing. My son only has ADHD and is 9, therefore has never worked, and we receive money through SSI monthly...... We don't receive much, because my husband makes about 60000/year (it's income based). I know if you have little to no income the maximum benefits you can receive are $771 I believe. Did you apply online? Just go to the website and send the application in. I had someone call me for a phone appointment after the application was submitted. Like I stated in a previous post we were rejected the first time and the accepted the second time.

Kat - posted on 01/23/2013

We live in Pa and have Ma. We were never required to apply for SSI.

Kat - posted on 01/23/2013

First off. Myself and my son have had Ma in Pa for 10 plus years and never had to apply for SSI. Tonight is the second time I tried applying for SSI for my son who has ADHD. SSI told me you cant' apply for children who have never worked. I said ok, then the children with disabilities because he has ADHD. He told me my son would be accepted medically but not for money because Im not working and getting unemployment and child support for my son that I make too much money. Now, how do I make to much money when there are families out there working and yet collecting? This makes no sense. Thank you.

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2013

Kim C - how can you speak for or know what anyone else's circumstances are and why they are applying for SSI? I'm happy for you that you have two children with a disability and you can afford the medical bills that go along with it, good for you! For the record you do have to apply for SSI at least in PA in order to get MA. I originally applied for SSI 3 years ago because I didn't know about medical assistance, and my husband's work insurance doesn't cover any medical expense related to ADHD including doctor visits, and perscriptions. That was the only reason I applied for SSI, but he was rejected. Then someone told me about medical assistance, so I applied for that. I can scan the paper on here to show you, that I HAD to apply for SSI. My son didn't have to be accepted, but we had to show proof that we were in the process of applying for SSI in order to receive medical assistance. To my surprise he is now receiving both. There are so many different levels of ADHD, how can you say that a person doesn't need supplemental income to help their child? We use the money were are receiving for my son for weekly tutoring and other helpful programs such as the Total Transformation. Not to mention with our state insurance for my son, even though behavioral therapy is covered, the only places that I can take him are either 2 hours or more away, or won't take him because he also has my husbands insurance which is automatically his primary insurance. The place is called RedCo and they only accept Medicaid and that's his secondary insurance so they flat out said sorry he can't come here! So in order to get him behavioral therapy I have to pay my co-pay for our primary insurance (my husband's insurance through work, which I can't take my son off of I tried, as long as my husband's still working and my son still lives under his roof he has to remain on his insurance), because I can't afford the gas or wear and tear on my car to take him 2 hours away once a week, not to mention I can't keep taking him out of school to go to these appointments because he can't afford to miss school. He's FAILING because he struggles so much. Please don't judge other people or assume that just because we accept help from the government that we are using that for our own needs and not to help our children! You have no idea what you're talking about........ I'm happy for you that you don't need to supplement your income and that you can help your children out to the best of your ability with your income alone. Don't assume that we're all exploiting our children with disabilities to better ourselves. We are all on here asking these questions because we want what's best for our kids! Shame on you for being a teacher and judging the parents of your students, you don't know their history, you have no idea of their struggles even if they seem like the most put together family! It's not your job to judge, just to answer the questionnaire your given from SSI honestly! I didn't expect my child's teachers to lie for him!

Jennifer - posted on 01/20/2013

No there are many factors that they look into when determining if your child is eligible for SSI. It is helpful to have as much evidence on your side as you can, such as an IEP and a diagnosis by a neurologist or psychiatrist, etc... They don't automatically deny you if there isn't an IEP, but it helps to have one. They also don't automatically accept your child if he/she has one, we had an IEP the first time we applied and we were rejected. As I stated before, with ADHD the chances are that you will get rejected the first time, but don't give up, we were accepted the 2nd time.

Terryhooper - posted on 01/19/2013

I have a question. Can Ssi deny your child if they haven't had an iep

Kim - posted on 01/11/2013

Auto spell messed some of that up...but I'm sure you get the gist

Kim - posted on 01/11/2013

You should not be looking at SSI unless you are spending out of pocket money for therapy, tutoring or other services to assist your child with his/her disability. SSI is not to help a family income just because the child has a disability. SSI sends a packet to your child's school to verify the severity of the disability and learn if you are encountering additional expenses. I work in a school. We won't lie. It is quite frustrating when someone applies and the child is not that severe. You do NOT have to apply for SSI to apply for medical assistance coverage. You're cold is entitled to this regardless of income. It is available to all children regardless of family income. Here is why, I work full time, have full insurance and make a good salary. However, my daughter is deaf in her left war, and a severe hearing loss was discovered I her right ear. She needed a hearing side. My insurance would not cover it. She also needed assistive technology for her school. A total of 7,000. This is why MA is there'd for kids like this. Same is true for ADHD children. As a parent of the daughter above AND a son with ADHD, I can't imagine why you would need SSI. I gave NEVER come across a parent who is putting out large amounts of money for their ADHD child. It is not to supplement your income. For the record, I do not receive SSI for either of my children bod have I ever applied.

Ashley Renee - posted on 01/10/2013

My son has ADHD and on SSI...IF the ADHD is so severe that it is causing learning delays and behind in what is normal development then yes, you can get approved. I applied for is in August of last year, had one appointment to see their doctors and was approved that December.

Ashley Renee - posted on 01/10/2013

My son has ADHD and on SSI...IF the ADHD is so severe that it is causing learning delays and behind in what is normal development then yes, you can get approved. I applied for is in August of last year, had one appointment to see their doctors and was approved that December.

Jennifer - posted on 01/10/2013

My son just started receiving SSI for ADHD. We had to apply twice, he was rejected the first time. We actually only applied the second time because we applied for Medicaid for him and in order to apply for that you have to apply for SSI (you don't have to qualify for SSI, just show proof that you applied). To my surprise he qualified the second time we applied. Once you get SSI you automatically qualify for Medicaid. Everything's free with Medicaid, including co-pays and prescriptions. My husband makes $1000/mo and we have a 5 person family and $1000 mortgage. He receives $148/mo. The highest you can receive is $771/mo and that's pretty much if you don't have any income. Hope that helps. It doesn't hurt to apply, although in my experience and from what I've heard you may have to do it more than once. It takes 4 - 6 months to get a response as to whether he qualifies. Good luck!

Yvette - posted on 01/08/2013

MY DAUGHTER IS ADHD WILL I BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY?

Keri - posted on 12/27/2012

does any one know how much a parents income can be before a child gets booted off ssi?

Melissa - posted on 12/19/2012

Yes My son was diagnosed at 2 and it was very hard to work because no one wanted to care for him. I was actually approved the first time I applied. They go on you'r household income.

Teresa - posted on 12/18/2012

I know my son was eligible for both of these but only after he was evaluated by a psychiatrist that the Social Security Adm referred me to, so it's worth checking into. Not sure if every state is the same. We reside in Kentucky

Danielle - posted on 12/18/2012

my son has adhd and is having a realy hard time at school he has been kicked off the bus for his hyper activity and also from school. we have had several meeting on different things to do to help control his hyper activity at school and other places. hecan no longer go to daycare because of this. i am a single mom with two other girls 11 and 9 whom i have no problem with however alijah my son was tested for adhd but was currently on medicine at the time so was diagnoswed not to be adhd until further notice he is still taking the medicine and seeing the phycrist on a regular basis does anyone have any suggestions for me please?

Nicole Dearing - posted on 12/14/2012

my son was just approved and i had tried to get help from lawyers but they took their precious time getting back with me until he was approved. I got it myself. It is time consuming but so much worth the wait.

JESSICA - posted on 12/14/2012

MY SON ALBERTO WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD AND A SLOW LEARNING DISSABILITY. I HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR ANYTHING BECAUSE IM NOT SURE IF HE WILL QUALIFY FOR ANYTHING. I HAVE HIM ON MEDCAID BUT IM PAYING FOR IT. HE STRUGGLES IN SCHOOL AND ITS HARD FOR HIM TO REMEMBER THINGS LIKE IF YOU WOULD GIVE HIM SEVERAL TASKS HE WILL ONLY REMEMBER THE FIRST AND THE LAST HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMEMBER THE MIDDLE. AND HE IS SO OVER ACTIVE. CAN ANY ONE TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO OR GIVE ME SOME ADVISE. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS.

Karen - posted on 11/26/2012

My,son now 20 has ADHD was on.methylphenidate until 16 he struggles socially and is very negative pessamistic person.can.anyone suggest any herbal or non drug medication for.him

Latasha - posted on 10/15/2012

hi my name is latasha and i have a 7 year old son and he was denied his ssi because of not having a school iep but right after iwas denied thats when the school did it and said that he had an intrinsic disorder. well anyways im waiting for a nother decision now that they have his iep for his learning disablity can any one tell me the chances of him getting approved

Montize - posted on 10/11/2012

My son has ADHD and Anxiety Disorder. I am a nurse in the same school district that he attends school. I feel like a fish out of water because when he has a panic attack I want to crawl in a shell and hide. I just want him to be ok. I guess that people who do not have a child with a serious issue just do not get it. The lady who made the "bunk" comment obviously just does not get it! My son had to be removed from school and taken to the hospital because of a panic attack. The medication helps him focus and hopefully will help him to not have the panic feelings . He is a wonderful loving 9 year old and it breaks my heart every time. So for you someone who has not encountered this issue in a serious way to say it is bunk, I have this to say walk in my shoes for a while. Hold your child while he screams and hyperventilates, shakes uncontrollably all because he can not focus to read a book. Sit through IEP meetings where someone tells you that the child you love and would die for is disabled and can't read. Then come back to me and talk about BUNK!!!!! And yes I am going to apply for SSI.

Nicole Dearing - posted on 09/05/2012

They denied my first try because they never requested the medical records from his psychiatrists. They only went by what the doctor they sent him to reported. It has gotten so bad that his teacher calls me when she is at home. I can hear her washing dishes. Just last week, he got upset and slapped his books on the floor. Then, he pushed his desk back so hard that he crushed a student's hands. The teacher said that he pushed her at least 10 feet across the floor. I have to go to the school at least 3-4 times a week. His doctor has increased his dosage of Concerta to 54 mg and also requires him to take half a risperdal with it in the morning and one whole risperdal at night. He has trouble falling asleep on his own. Without the medication, he can stay awake until the next morning. My blood pressure has not been the same since he started school again. I am at the end of my ropes and I don't know what else my son has to do for me to be taken seriously. It's not about just wanting the money, but who wants to hire a woman who has to take off work so much to care for her son? I have 2 other children whom I have to care for!! Stressed to the MAX!!

Notosystem - posted on 08/13/2012

SSI DISABILITY WANTS TO MAKE YOUR FAMILY DEPEND ON THEM. I AM WONDERING WHY DOES THE SSI WANTS TO SEE YOUR CHILD ON MEDS IN ORDER TO GET APPROVE?FOR EXAMPLE YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH SPEECH PROBLEMS AND THEY SAY THEY WANT TO HELP YOU MAKE HIM BETTER THROUGH SPEECH THERAPY AND DR. FOLLOW UPS. THAN WHY THE SSI WILL ONLY APPROVE YOU IF CHILD TAKES MEDICATION ETC.. IT WILL ONLY MAKE THE KID WORSE OR DIZZY ETC..... WHAT'S THEIR POINT? THEY WANT TO MAKE YOUR CHILD WORST. ONCE YOU GET THE MEDICATION YOU WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. IT IS A SICK SYSTEM THEY GIVE A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS A MONTH FOR YOUR LIFE. BECAUSE NOW YOU ARE DEPENDING ON THEM. THEY ARE ALL SICK I CAN SMELL IT ALL THE WAY FROM HERE.

Mary - posted on 06/13/2012

Public school system has an ESE program.

Mary - posted on 06/13/2012

If your child is preventing you from keeping a full time job, due to occurrences at school, suspensions, after school care etc. and to be a stay at home, would cause financial hardship, I see absolutely no reason that your child's case would be denied. Go for it....life is way too short to be stressing everyday of your life. Our children, are our future, so much more important than working for some corporation, that will terminate you without thought, for their bottom line profits!