As a Social Security disability lawyer in Knoxville, TN, we get all types of questions about what disorders qualify for benefits and which do not. One of the most unknown disabilities that the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides benefits for are babies born with low birth weight and/or diagnosed with failure to thrive.
Our Social Security lawyer in Knoxville is experienced with this social security disability law and can help you receive benefits for your baby.
Social Security Disability Benefits Eligibility
The type of benefits that babies born with low birth weight and/or failure to thrive can receive is called Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The SSA provides these benefits for any child born with a disability, and babies born premature with low birth weight or developmental delays are eligible.
To be eligible for SSI, a baby must be born with one of the following conditions:
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Low Birth Weight: Any baby born weighing less than 1200 grams (2 pounds, 10 ounces) will qualify for benefits.
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Low Birth Weight for Gestational Age: Babies who are born weighing more than 1200 grams but less than 2000 grams (4 pounds 6 ounces) may still be eligible for SSI benefits depending on their gestational age–which is their age from conception, not birth. For example, if a baby is full-term, and weighs less than 4 pounds 6 ounces, you would still be able to file for disability with the help of an experienced attorney.
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Failure To Thrive (FTT): Between the time of birth and the age of 3, if your baby is not gaining as much weight as expected to, your child may be eligible to receive SSI benefits.
The Social Security disability claims process can be long and frustrating, which is why you need the help of a law firm. If you are seeking a Social Security Disability lawyer in Morristown or the surrounding area, contact Drozdowski & Rabin today for a free case evaluation.
Applying for Social Security Benefits
In order to apply for social security benefits, your infant’s birth weight must be documented and submitted on an original or certified copy of the birth certificate. If that is not available, a medical form signed by a physician would suffice.
If you are applying for benefits for failure to thrive, our law office’s legal advice is to collect as many doctor’s records that are available to you with your application. You must be able to prove your baby is not growing at the rate it is expected to be growing at.
It can take anywhere from 3-5 months for eligibility to be decided by the Social Security Administration. However, if your baby is born under the weight of 1200 grams (2 pounds 10 ounces), they will grant benefits immediately.
Contact Drozdowski & Rabin Today
Our firm is home to highly experienced Social Security Disability attorneys in Knoxville. If you have a child who was born with a low birth weight or is not growing due to developmental delays, we can help you receive the benefits you need to help your baby live a happy, healthy life.
