Speech Delays and Disorders

In March we applied for Kyle to receive SSI(Supplemental Social Security Income).  We just received notice yesterday that Kyle has qualified to receive SSI benefits.  From what I understand it is supplemental income to provide financial assistance to those who are disabled.  It is also based on family income. 

I just thought I would share this so that others may apply on behalf of their apraxic child.  It may vary from state to state also, but apparently Wisconsin considers Kyle's apraxia a disability based on his medical records and he was considered disabled when he was evaluated and diagnosed at 27 months by a private SLPin August 2008.

If you have any questions about applying for SSI or want to know more about my experience in applying, feel free to contact me.  ~Kathy

That's great that you got SSI. We had to apply for Gabe as well, but he didn't qualify because of our financial income. That extra money will be so nice in helping defray some of those therapy costs...and I think you were talking about an aac device...that will help with the cost of aac too!

Yay...great news...

 

Jessie mommy to Gabe (3.10 years ASD/CAS/SID) and Baby Zane

                                        

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Yes, Kyle's insurance will cover an AAC device. We are going to trial them soon. I am attending the CASANA Apraxia Conference in Chicago next month and will be attending a session on AAC devices to learn more about them. Our SLP wants us to trial some before selecting one. She wants one that will grow with Kyle because our insurance will only cover one AAC device every 5 years.

We don't expect a lot for SSI benefits, but every little bit will help towards things we can do to help assist Kyle with his needs. It was just great news to find out he qualified and we didn't have to fight the system to prove he has a disability.

That is interesting to me as our SLP just encouraged me to apply for SSI. But, Jack doesn't have a diagnoses of anything yet, so I wonder how hard it would be to be approved?

I am going to apply anyhoo, it can't hurt!

I would appy for it now.  Because if you don't qualify now, but do later you may get back dated SSI benefits.  You will have to provide some medical history for what you have done up to this point.  But for me it was just approximate dates of services and what Dr's or specialists they  have seen. They will actually have you sign a form so that they collect the medical records for the investigation.  Try to keep a general timeline logged somewhere to help you remember appointments and dates. 

FYI.  I supplied Birth to Three(EI) evaluation dates and therapist names.  I also provided his private SPL evaluation date and therapists name.  We had a few other appointments and screening that I provided as well, such as his hearing tests and an EEG we had done to screen for seizure activity. 

Hope this helps.  Good luck and let us know how it goes.