Social Security Benefits, Selective Mutism Foundation

Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc

SSI Benefits

Social Security Disability may in some cases be available for the child with Selective Mutism. Supplemental Security Income
(SSI) is a U. S. Department of Health and Human Services program, which pays monthly benefits to individuals who have certain
disabilities and meet Social Security’s definition and eligibility requirements. This Federal income supplement program run by
Social Security is made on the basis of financial need. To receive SSI benefits, you must be elderly, blind or have a disability. The
amount of your benefits depends on where you live.

Children with Selective Mutism are no different in their needs than other children who may have a different disability. You will not
automatically receive benefits when you apply but must demonstrate the disability and have documentation of your disability. Your
doctors and their reports and opinions weigh heavily at hearings. Therefore, you should choose a healthcare provider who
understands your child and Selective Mutism.

The SSA is setup on a three-tier system. The first tier called the “initial” claim where most claims are denied can take as little as
30 days or 6 months for denial. The second tier is called “reconsideration”, which is the most critical state of the process. Your
claim gets reviewed, and can take as little as 30 days or as long as 4 months. Usually only 10% of these claims are
reconsidered. The third tier is the claimant’s best shot of winning. The file is transferred to the “Office of Hearings and Appeals”
(OHA). The SSA claims office and OHA operate under the same umbrella organization of SSA yet are essentially two very
different divisions with differing standards. At the third tier most claims have a 70-80% chance of winning the benefit. If you are
persistent with your claim and willing to play the time game, then OHA will probably pay benefits. For information on SSI call
1-800-772-1212 www.ssa.gov/disability.

Selective Mutism Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is not affiliated with any other organization or website.
All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
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