For Educators and Caregivers

For Educators

Photo: Teenager

As elementary, secondary, vocational career or adult educators, you are on the frontlines of support for students of all ages. Oftentimes, you are the first to identify students with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. We understand how challenging it is to objectively define the disability classifications and placement procedures for your students. If your student is economically disadvantaged by the circumstances of their disabilities, this poses an additional challenge of providing help and guidance. At Sackett and Associates, we appreciate the desire of all educators to ensure that students identified with disabilities receive all the help and support they require to learn in the least restrictive environment.

There is a three step process Social Security uses to determine if a child is disabled for child's SSI. If you believe that your student may be entitled to Social Security Disability or Supplemental Income, or both, do not hesitate to contact our office at your convenience.

Step 1. Is The Child Working?

Is the child working at substantial gainful activity (SGA) level? If the child is working the claim for child's SSI will be denied. If the child is not working we move to step 2.

Step 2. Does The Child Have A "Severe" Impairment?

Does the child claimant have a "severe" impairment. If the child has a severe impairment we move to step 3.

Step 3. Does The Child's Impairment Meet One Of The Listed Impairments?

Under current regulations, a child must prove that he or she meets a Listing or medically equals or functionally equals a Listing. To "functionally" equal a Listing, a child claimant must have marked limitations in two "domains" or extreme limitations in one "domain." "Domains" are broad areas of functioning. The domains are: (1) Acquiring and using information; (2) Attending and completing tasks; (3) Interacting and relating with others; (4) Moving about and manipulating objects; (5) Caring for self; and (6) Health and physical well-being.

Under the regulations, a "marked" limitation is one that "interferes seriously with your ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities." An "extreme" limitation is one that "interferes very seriously with your ability to independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities."

To establish disability for a child, there must exist supporting documentation which can include:

  • Medical findings such as treatment notes written by a physician, mental health professional, or staff professionals at a mental health facility.
  • Historical information from parents and teachers - such as teacher reports and evaluations.
  • Standardized testing results such as achievement testing and IQ testing.

For Caregivers

At Sackett and Associates we understand the challenges faced by caregivers and their loved ones. Chronic conditions come with a host of unexpected crisis and upheavals that cause emotional stress and empty wallets. Complications and the progression of illness and disability have forced many to lose their homes and substantially downgrade their living standards.

It is possible that your loved one may be entitled to SSDI and/or SSI. SSDI and SSI eligibility is dependent on a number of factors including the severity of the disability and what assets and income your loved one has. You should contact the Social Security Administration to find out more about these programs and whether your loved one will qualify for these benefits. For more information on SSDI and SSI, do not hesitate to contact our office at your convenience.