Houston's Definition of Disability

SSDI Eligibility for Minors

Securing Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for minors involves unique challenges, requiring parents to demonstrate that their child's condition results in significant functional limitations, meets the SSA's duration requirements, and is either listed by the SSA or equivalent to a listed condition. Parents bear the burden of proof, needing to present detailed medical and educational documentation to illustrate the profound impact of the disability on their child's daily life and development. Navigating this process often requires professional guidance to ensure all necessary evidence is accurately compiled and presented.

Severe Functional Limitations

The child's condition must result in severe and marked functional limitations. This means the disability significantly restricts their ability to perform age-appropriate activities.

Duration

The disability must either have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months, or it must be expected to result in death. This aligns with the standard duration requirement for SSDI.

Condition Listed by SSA

The child's medical condition should be among those listed by the Social Security Administration, or it should be medically or functionally equivalent to a condition on the list.

The Burden of Proof

For minors, the burden of proof in SSDI claims is on the parents or guardians. It requires providing comprehensive medical evidence that clearly demonstrates the child's disability and how it severely limits their daily activities. This involves gathering detailed medical records, reports from educational institutions, and statements from healthcare providers. Parents need to meticulously document how the disability affects their child's life, emphasizing the ways in which it impedes normal childhood activities and development. Preparing for a child's SSDI claim is a thorough process that demands a strategic approach, often necessitating guidance from experienced professionals familiar with SSDI claims for minors.