When a Child Receives SSI
Jon Katherine Martins
Emma Norton Services
St. Paul, Minnesota
Over the past year, the SOAR program at Emma Norton Services has helped 4 parents with their children's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) applications. Three of the claims were approved at the initial level. One is still in process. As the children's SOAR advocate, I know first-hand how receiving SSI can benefit both parent and child.
When a child receives SSI, a mother and her 9-year-old son, who experiences schizophrenia, can find a measure of peace. The mother doesn't have to wake vulnerable in the morning, staring down the high cost of her son's medications, the constant demands on her time, and the gnawing insecurity. She can wake refreshed and ease into the day as she shares a moment with her son before he heads off to school, knowing that the struggles are reduced and the supports he needs are there.
When a child receives SSI, a father can buy a car with the lump sum back payment. He can now drive his 7-year-old son, who experiences autism spectrum disorder, to his appointments rather than taking that long bus ride that's filled with so much sensory overload. And, instead of worrying about whether he can keep a roof over his son's head or food on the table, the father can worry about the ordinary, everyday things - just like any other parent.
When a child receives SSI, a mother and daughter can stop doubling up with relatives. And an 8-year-old girl, who experiences attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, can have her deepest wish come true - a bedroom of her of own where the walls are painted purple. And she doesn't have to go to someone else's house to visit her cherished dog. Her dog can lie beside her as she falls asleep at night.
When a child receives SSI….
