Certain medical conditions qualified for quick review and approval from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disability benefits. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in children is one of those conditions.
SCIDs are a group of hereditary disorders that cause abnormalities in a baby’s immune system. These disorders lead to malfunctioning of white blood cells, which in turn reduces the immune system’s ability to bacteria, viruses and fungi.
The Compassionate Allowances Program
The program through which the SSA quickly reviews applications for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency is the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program.
CAL does not prevent you from having to file an application. It also does not remove the need to present the SSA with the appropriate medical evidence to support your child’s claim for benefits. It does however ensure your child’s application will be reviewed more quickly and that you will have a decision faster as well. Instead of waiting four or more months for a decision, your child’s application will be reviewed in just a few weeks.
Medical Evidence
The specific evidence that the SSA needs to see in your child’s medical records includes:
- A thorough clinical history and physical findings report that documents the features of the disorder and the definitive diagnosis.
- Lab test results, which may include:
- B, T, and NK cell levels
- Immunoglobin levels
- Lymphocyte function
- Genetic tests documenting mutations responsible for immune deficiency
- Documentation of completed or planned bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Children who medically qualify for disability benefits do so through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. There are also technical/financial eligibility rules that must be met in order for your child to receive SSI benefits, as the program is need-based.
You will need to provide the SSA with information on our child’s financial resources as well as your own income and assets or other financial resources at the time that you apply for benefits. Some sources of income and some types of assets/resources count, while others are not counted by the SSA.
Submitting an Application
Applications for disability that are filed for children must be completed in person. You will need to schedule an appointment at your local SSA office and can do so by calling 1-800-772-1213. The appointment will consist of an interview, during which the SSA representative with whom you meet will fill out the application for benefits, using the details that you provide.
