As a rare cerebral palsy disorder characterized by a number of other severe symptoms, Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome (SLS) meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) medical eligibility requirements for disability benefits.
The SSA knows children and adults with SLS require significant supportive care throughout their lives. The severely debilitating nature of the disorder lead to its inclusion in the Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, which ensures Social Security Disability (SSD) claims are reviewed more quickly and approved as often as possible.
Disability Benefit Programs
The SSA has two disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Both programs require applicants meet medical eligibility, which SLS does. Each program also has its technical eligibility rules.
- For SSDI, applicants must either have work credits of their own or qualify under the work history/credits of a disabled or deceased parent or guardian.
- For SSI, applicants only need to have limited financial resources available to pay for everyday needs.
The SSA reviews the income and financial resources of parents or guardians when considering minor children for disability benefits. When it is a disabled, adult child applying for benefits though, it is only the applicant’s finances the SSA considers. Under either circumstance, many applicants are able to qualify for SSI, even with the strict financial eligibility rules.
Compassionate Allowances
The SSA’s CAL program has streamlined administrative processes. It allows disability determinations staff to fast track certain applications, including those filed for SLS.
Most applications for disability take months to go through the initial review. CAL applications typically only take a few weeks. It is also very unlikely that a CAL application is denied for medical reasons, though lacking medical records can delay a claim.
While the SSA’s CAL program ensures rapid review and quick approval, if the applicant meets the technical eligibility rules, you must still complete the full application. You must also provide the SSA with supporting documentation, including specific medical records.
Required Medical Evidence for Sjogren-Larsson Syndrome
In order to find an SLS applicant medically eligible for benefits, the SSA must see the following medical records:
- A thorough medical history and examination notes, describing the features of the disorder, including the physical symptoms and complications
- Reports documenting the intellectual and psychological limitations
- Genetic test results showing the mutation in the ALDH3A2 gene
In addition to these medical documents, the SSA may also review listings in the Blue Book, which is a manual of impairments and the necessary documentation for providing severe disability with each. The listings disability determination staff may review include:
For adults:
- Section 11.07, Cerebral palsy
- Section 12.05, Intellectual disability
For children:
- Section 111.02, Major motor seizures
- Section 111.07, Cerebral palsy
- Section 112.05, Intellectual disabilities
- Section 112.12, Developmental and emotional disorders in newborns and children under a year old
Your child’s doctor can help you ensure the medical records are all in order for the SSA to quickly review your disability application and find your son or daughter medically eligible for benefits.
Submitting an Application
Whether you are applying for benefits on behalf of a minor child or an adult with SLS, SSI applications must be made in person. An SSA representative will meet with you and complete the application for you, using information you provide during a personal interview. Interviews are typically held at the local SSA office and can be scheduled by calling 1-800-772-1213.
