HELP FOR CHILDREN: SSI and the New Disability Law

• Under the new disability law, there are tougher rules in order for a child to be considered disabled.
• Notice of the new law was mailed in late 1996. All children who received a notice will be reviewed.
• If you receive a notice terminating your child's benefits, it will tell you that you have 60 days to file an appeal.
• In order to continue receiving checks while you go through the appeal process, you must appeal within 10 days.
• You have the right to appeal. You must appeal each time you are turned down.

Collect Records Of Your Child's

Disability Now

KEEP A COPY of everything you send to Social Security:

• Names, addresses and phone numbers of all medical and mental health providers.
• Names of any medicines used.
• Medical and mental health records. Ask the doctor and/or the hospital for the records and take them to the local Social Security office.
• Records include reports from:

a. Clinics

b. Physical therapists

c. Mental health counselors

d. Psychologists

e. Chiropractors

f. Hospital stays/or surgery with dates and reasons

• Also collect and keep:

a. A diary of your child's daily activities.

b. Reports from teachers, school counselors, preschool workers, early intervention specialists, social workers, and special education teachers about your child's activities, abilities and schoolwork-be sure to get the school records prior to the end of the school year.

c. Intelligence testing evaluations, educational plans.

d. Reports from clergy, relatives, daycare providers and family friends.

Information provided courtesy of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. For more information, please call (800) 932-0311.