| Children with cerebral palsy affects are considered | | | | with your state social security program. |
| "special needs," meaning that they cannot care for | | | | If children cerebral palsy benefits are awarded, then |
| themselves. The most common diagnosis is spastic | | | | the law mandates that the state agency review your |
| cerebral palsy, which involves rigid muscles on one or | | | | child's medical condition every three years or so. At |
| both sides of the body, as well as difficulty walking and | | | | these review periods, you must demonstrate records |
| talking. The condition is a life-long disability that ranges | | | | that your child is still receiving cerebral palsy treatment |
| from mild to severe, but almost always requires at | | | | from a medical doctor. When a child with CP turns 18, |
| least one of the parents to make sacrifices in order to | | | | he or she is considered an adult, so different medical |
| stay home and care for the child. | | | | rules apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
| Children with CP will need help eating, bathing, getting | | | | payments. |
| dressed and getting into their wheelchairs. They may | | | | For example, the household income is no longer a |
| need to meet with physical therapists, occupational | | | | factor and only the 18-year-old's income will determine |
| therapists, speech therapists, dental hygienists, eye | | | | eligibility. As of 2009, the child must not work a job |
| doctors, surgeons and medical doctors for cerebral | | | | earning over $980/month. To determine benefit |
| palsy treatment. To help cover some of the financial | | | | eligibility, the application is sent to the disability |
| demands of your child's care, your family may be | | | | determination services in your state. To apply, you can |
| eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI | | | | call 1-800-722-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or visit Ssa. |
| benefits). | | | | Along with financial compensation, children cerebral |
| Children with cerebral palsy require medical expenses | | | | palsy benefits also include health care service referrals. |
| and caregiver requirements that can be very | | | | Many parents may be unsure where they can get the |
| demanding. To assist you with some of your needs, | | | | best and most affordable care for their cerebral palsy |
| Social Security offers eligible families benefits for their | | | | child. As part of the "Children with Special Health Care |
| child with CP. | | | | Needs" provision of the Social Security Act, you'll be |
| Typically, to apply for Social Security you must be | | | | referred to state health agencies that provide |
| over 65, blind or disabled. Children under 18 can qualify | | | | specialized services at hospitals, clinics, private offices, |
| if he or she meets Supplemental Security Income's | | | | in/outpatient centers or community organizations. Even |
| definition of "disability" and if your household income | | | | children who do not qualify for SSI may be able to find |
| falls within the eligibility requirements. These numbers | | | | special needs programs through their local social |
| vary from state to state, so it's best that you check | | | | services office or hospital. |