Qualifying for SSD with Learning Disorders

Learning disorders in young children may be subtle and difficult to detect but are usually characterized by trouble listening, paying attention, speaking clearly, reading, writing, and doing math. About one-third of children who have learning disabilities also have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make paying attention even more difficult.

Learning Disorders and Social Security Disability

According to the SSA, a child under the age of 18 is considered “disabled” if he or she has a medically identifiable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that results in marked and severe functional limitations.

Tests will need to be performed by a medical professional to detect the presence of a learning disorder, which must be permanent or persist for at least a year to qualify for SSD benefits. There are two parts to the test to determine whether or not a child has a learning disability:

1. How the child interacts socially
2. How the child communicates verbally, nonverbally, and how they perform in an imaginative activity

To test whether or not a child has ADHD, medically documented proof of the following three criteria must be presented:

• Marked inattention
• Marked impulsiveness
• Marked hyperactivity

Obtaining SSD Benefits for a Learning Disorder

If your child has a learning disorder, he or she may have disadvantages at school and when trying to get a job later in life. Children with learning disorders often need one-on-one tutoring and instruction, and that can be expensive. In addition, some children’s learning disorders are so profound that they need constant care and attention—which means one or both parents may be unable to work, potentially qualifying them for SSD benefits.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, our Social Security Disability lawyers understand the impact your child’s learning disability has on your family, and that’s why we’ll fight to get you SSD benefits. Our services won’t cost you a dime unless we get benefits for your child. Get the help you deserve by contacting our firm.