It can be very stressful to find out that your child has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition. To make matters worse, often money is an issue with a special needs child, due to the fact that parents might need to work less in order to care for their kid. This can create financial constraints on the whole family. Fortunately, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide some financial relief. However, the disability application process can be rather tedious and drawn out.
Thus, in order to more efficiently help those in need, the SSA has formed a list of rare and debilitating disorders that they have termed Compassionate Allowances. If you or your child has one of these conditions you will automatically qualify for disability benefits. The Compassionate Allowances program was created so the people that need help the most can go through an accelerated process to begin receiving their benefits quicker than usual. Often it can take months for an application to be approved and even then you might still have to wait before collecting benefits.
One of the conditions that qualify for a compassionate allowance is Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE). If you or your child is suffering from SSPE, It is important to start the application process as soon as possible.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) – Condition and Symptoms
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), also known as Dawson Disease, is a gradually developing neurological disorder that affects children and young adults. SSPE affects the central nervous system and is a viral infection that can be caused by a malfunctioning measles virus. It is more common in males, as they are three times more likely to develop the disorder than females. When SSPE first begins the symptoms are not too apparent. The beginning signs include mild cognitive deterioration and increased irritability. Problems with motor functions follow soon after, specifically twitches in the neck, arms or legs. Sometimes seizures may also be present.
Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis can cause some people to become blind.
Eventually, as the disease progresses, those afflicted may experience muscle spasms and stiffness that becomes so severe they are unable to walk. As the condition worsens the individual will gradually fall in to a comatose state, and finally into a state of persistent vegetation. Death is normally caused by heart failure, fever or loss of control of the autonomic nervous system, the system responsible for managing functions such as breathing and heartbeat.
There is no cure or treatment available for SSPE. Seizures and myoclonic jerks are controlled with anticonvulsant medication. Mortality is certain, with most patients passing away within one to two years of being diagnosed.
Filing for Social Security Disability with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)
When your child receives a diagnosis of Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), he or she automatically qualifies for Social Security benefits under the Compassionate Allowances act. The application process for you and your child will be sped up and you can start to collect benefits when the next benefit cycle starts, assuming you have the correct documentation. Before applying for benefits it is a good idea to contact a Social Security disability lawyer.
Although it is almost guaranteed that a child afflicted with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) will be able to receive benefits, a disability lawyer can review your case and make sure everything is in the proper order. Often, a case may be delayed or even denied because applicants are missing certain important documents. With the help of a Social Security disability lawyer you can spend less time worrying about paperwork and more time being with your son or daughter.
You should make sure to include clinical and laboratory examinations when applying for benefits for a child with SSPE. The impairments must be described and verified by lab tests such as genetic testing, blood and urine testing and MRI or CT scans.
Your Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) Social Security Disability Case
Since your child has been diagnosed with Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), a disorder listed under the Compassionate Allowances, you can feel confident that he or she will be able to receive the benefits that they need and deserve. You should still consider getting in touch with a disability attorney. Your Social Security disability lawyer can review your case and verify that you have all the documents and paperwork needed, and that it is its proper order. You and your child need help as quickly as possible, and you don’t want to see your case delayed because of incomplete paperwork.
Your disability attorney will not be paid unless you are awarded benefits. If your claim is successful, then your disability attorney will either receive 25% of the back pay that you are awarded or $6,000, whichever is less.
