Social Security Disabiliy ???????

[jill]

At my child's psychologist appointment she was out of control and very behavioral and I was glad for the meltdown for he got to see what I have been going through most days. Well he gave us a new behavior plan to try and felt she was not in control of herself so it was not just all behavioral. She regresses a lot and he got to see that too for he commented she is acting like a 3 year old. It was also suggested we try evening meds for her and he commented if he had to deal with it himself he would and for school her dose sounds to him like it needs adjusting as well.

Later on he said to me have I ever considered Social Security Disability for her and I said no. I was told she does qualify and he would sign any necessary documents to get the ball rolling on her behalf and explained she is disabled and may need it in the future. I wanted to cry on the way home only I could not let my girl see me. I am still in shock anyone else have this suggested to them? I have heard of it but never tried hoping things will improve why is this so hard. She was diagnosed with moderate to severe ADHD, Inattentiveness, ODD, and Sensory Integration.

[misty]

Someone suggested SS disability a few years ago for Shannon & I applied but she was denied. At the time she was on meds & it sure would have helped pay for them!

[charliegirl]

I have known of kids with ADHD who have gotten it. If he says she is eligible for it I would try to get it. You can use the money for treatment if you need to, extra tutoring, etc.

Remember, nothing has changed. She is still your sweet girl who has been dealing with those issues all her life. Whether you get it or not, she is still going to have to face the same issues she is dealing with now.

It must have been a real blow to have him say that though. I can't imagine how it would feel to have that thrown at you. I'm glad though that he did get to see what she is living with so he can really understand and that he is caring enough to want to help you.

[jill]

He has always been on the level with us and with what is going on with her since day one why we love the guy. They say truth hurts it does he said he would complete whatever necessary SSA needs and feels full heartedly we need to do it for her protection. We also have an OT specialist extra we pay for who is awesome and good friends with her psychologist (how we got the re feral)who we have his paperwork as well and the studies paperwork from last year so we do have plenty of documentation. I still just want to cry until it all sinks in I just want her to grow up and have no hurdles in the way for her and for her to follow her dreams. Now I have to go to work soon and keep busy and If i want to cry I will hide in the bathroom. I will talk to you all later Jill

[misty]

I know you're feeling sad, Jill. I do too when an issue comes up with Shannon & I feel like I have no control over it & I worry about her future. .I have a cousin with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that will kill her before shes lived her full life. I've known kids with cancer. A young woman I know has kidney failure & will die without an operation. I think of these people and realize that the hurdles my daughter faces are at least manageable & won't cause her to be gone from this world. It helps me to put it in perspective.

[charliegirl]

Getting her the right help now will help her have a full and good life. This doesn't necessarily mean she will have major problems as an adult. It just means that it is obviously impacting her in a big way now and will for most of her childhood.

Remember, a lot of kids with the same issues do grow up to have good lives, and their chances are better with the right treatment in childhood.

Focus on the fact that your daughter has you and the therapist, the OT person and many others helping her which many parents can't get for their kids. Her chances are much better than the kids who don't have anyone helping them.

I do know someone who was on SSI for similar problems as a child. As a young adult he now has a full time job and is a loving father. He seems quite happy with his life whenever I see him.

[jill]

Thanks Misty you are right at least this is not life threatening only hard to hear. I was told at work by a co-worker G-D gives the children with extra needs to special parents who can handle it and give them the love they need.



I am going to go for it besides it can help us out with expenses for her like her dance we scrape out and tutoring once it begins. Also I plan on starting a college fund with it however she can only have $2,000 in her account so then I would resort to starting another in my name and hand it over to her when she gets older.

[jj]

Jill, I really think you should go for it too. She will need every penny of that at some time or another.

Also, I do want to forewarn you. They may turn you down the first time even with the help the psych is giving you. So I'd get started on it right away just in case they do and you want to appeal it or reapply later. (My niece was told flat out by the SSI people that they usually do turn you down the first time and she may as well get a lawyer (yes, they said that!), which she did and got reimbursed for lawyers fees and back SSI.) I hope you get it on the first try.

[lisacap]

Jill you will get turned down the first time, Social Security doesn't give anyone benifits the first time around, as soon as you get the denial papers you need to resubmit everything, don't let the deadline go by or you will have to start completely all over again. The good news is that when she does finaly qualify, you will be compensated from the day she was diagonesed as having the disablility. It will be a long haul for you, SS workers are not the nicest people to deal with, but just keep plugging and it will go through. Having a physch to back you instead of a physchologist will also be to your benifit.

[jill]

I am aware she will get turned down then I get an attorney and the process will take about a year I am sure then they will owe back money from the time I first apply. I used to work with Developmental disabilities and have done it before for them.