How To Maximize A Disabled Child’s Benefits

March 18, 2013

Children who are disabled could potentially face a lifetime of needing government assistance for financial support. The North Dallas Gazette explained some of the basic pitfalls parents and caregivers of disabled children may face and offers several tips on how to maximize your child’s benefits.

One form of government assistance can come as Social Security Disability Insurance; however, the amount of the benefit is based on payroll deductions and depends on the parent’s status as an eligible recipient.

The more common form of assistance is offered through Supplemental Security Income. The benefit is based on an individual’s need and is determined by income.

The rules governing who can receive these benefits can be extremely intricate though, and many factors may inadvertently affect the amount of benefits a child can receive.

Often times, family legacies, such as inheritances, can tie a disabled child’s benefits up. One way to maneuver past this hurdle is by establishing a special needs trust that will go to the child. Any source of funding can be used with the fund and the child will see no penalties as long as the fund is named as a beneficiary in the event of a death.

The Social Security Disability Attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin recognize how complex the system for receiving government assistance can be. That is why the firm urges anyone considering filing a claim for benefits to speak with a qualified attorney first.