Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that can affect a person's ability to move, maintain balance, and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and can be accompanied by other disabilities such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, vision loss, or autism. Knowing the signs of cerebral palsy and how it affects disability benefits can help families get the support they need. Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain.
It is a neurological disorder that disrupts coordination and muscle movements. To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a child and their parents (or stepparents) must not exceed SSI income limits or own too much property (not counting a home). Nearly 800,000 adults and children are currently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It is found in section 11.00 Neurological Disorders for adults and in section 111.00 for children.
Most people with cerebral palsy are diagnosed at birth, although some children are diagnosed after a few months. It is important to recognize the signs of cerebral palsy in young children. These can include difficulty with movement, muscle coordination, balance, and posture; tremors; hearing, vision, speaking, and swallowing problems; and difficulty with thinking. If you suspect your child has cerebral palsy, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides immediate SSI benefits to children who are likely to be medically eligible for benefits.
Adults with cerebral palsy who have only worked in jobs such as construction, retail, and food service will also be more likely to receive disability benefits. Young adults who went to college and have cerebral palsy are much more likely to be denied benefits than older adults who have never received an education and haven't been able to work all their lives. Cerebral palsy is expensive for families because children with cerebral palsy often have another disability. This means that if you earn too high an income, your child won't be entitled to disability benefits until age 18, regardless of the severity of their cerebral palsy. Knowing this information can help families plan for the future. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it is important to understand how it affects disability benefits.
Knowing the signs of cerebral palsy and how it affects disability benefits can help families get the support they need.
