Indiana parents expect to support their children during their youth. As a child transitions from a baby to a toddler, then a child to a teen, their parents may dedicate time, money and love to their care and development. Many parents choose to support their children after the reach the age of 18 and become adults, but parents of children with disabilities like autism may worry that they will not be able to support their children forever.
When a child is afflicted with a disability like autism, they may have options for seeking benefits from the Social Security Administration. Supplemental security income (SSI) is one option for families dealing with this challenging situation.
What is SSI?
Supplemental security income is a form of need-based benefit. When a person suffers a disability and cannot work because of it, they may qualify for SSI to help them pay for necessities like shelter and food. An adult child who cannot work because of autism may have options for seeking this form of benefit.
How to pursue SSI for a child nearing adulthood
It is important that parents understand SSI and other Social Security benefits programs are application-based. Individuals must apply for benefits, and their applications are reviewed to ensure that they are compliant with the rules governing the programs. Unfortunately, some families fail to adequately prepare their applications and find their requests denied.
It can help to seek the counsel of an attorney who works in the benefits field of law. From filing out one’s initial application to seeking a renewal of Social Security benefits, a parent’s inclusion of an attorney in the process of seeking support for their disabled adult child can smooth the process for everyone.