Can My Child Qualify for Disability Benefits with a Blood Disease?

It’s a common myth that social security programs are reserved for elderly people. In reality, millions of children and teenagers also participate in these programs, and comprise a considerable portion of disability beneficiaries in the United States. If you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey and your child suffers from a blood disease, such as sickle cell or anemia, he or she could be a strong candidate. What are the eligibility requirements for children to qualify for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income? How are childhood blood disorder claims evaluated by the Social Security Administration?

Does My Child Qualify for SSI?

Blood disorders are also called hematological disorders, which is the term the Social Security Administration uses in its “Blue Book.” The Blue Book, or Listing of Impairments, is a large compilation of medical requirements for disability claimants. There is an entire Listing dedicated exclusively to evaluating disability in young people (Childhood Listings – Part B), with blood conditions compiled together under Section 107.00: Hematological Disorders.

However, before we talk about the different conditions and medical criteria under Section 107.00, let’s look at some of the technical, non-medical requirements for participating in the SSI program. To be considered eligible, your child or young loved one should:

1. Be younger than age 18. Once age 18 is reached, the teenager who was receiving SSI will be reevaluated by the SSA in what’s called an age-18 redetermination.
2. Not be earning more than $1,690 per month, if he or she is employed. $1,690 is the 2026 substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. This number changes annually to keep pace with rising wages, so be sure to check the current figure each year.
3. Have a medical condition which is serious enough to limit and interfere with his or her daily functions and activities. Disorders and diseases which can be easily suppressed with treatment are not considered disabling, and therefore do not merit SSI assistance.
4. Have a condition which either (A) has already lasted for at least 12 months, (B) is projected to last for at least 12 months, or (C) is expected to be fatal.

Which Blood Diseases Are Covered by Disability Benefits?

Now that we’ve gone over some of the general SSI eligibility criteria for people under 18, let’s look into Section 107.00 of the Listing of Impairments to see what the SSA medical examiners look for in young claimants citing a blood disease.

(This is also a good time to point out that even if your child doesn’t match the often stringent Listing, they could still qualify if their health issue can be proven severely disabling.)

Section 107.00 covers the following hematological disorders:

• Hemolytic anemias, including sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and their variants (Section 107.05)
• Disorders of thrombosis and hemostasis, including hemophilia and thrombocytopenia (Section 107.08)
• Disorders of bone marrow failure (Section 107.10)
• Hematological disorders treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (Section 107.17)

Hemolytic Anemia

Hemolytic anemia is not the same as other types of anemia, such as aplastic or iron-deficiency anemia. Hemolytic anemia means that red blood cells (RBCs) break apart, either in the spleen or bloodstream. There are numerous causes. Hemolytic anemia is evaluated under Section 107.05, the same listing that covers sickle cell disease, so the criteria described in the sickle cell section below apply. Your doctor can help you with unfamiliar medical terminology.

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

This condition is similar to hemophilia, and occurs when the immune system malfunctions and destroys platelets, whose job is to stop bleeding. As a result, people with ITP bruise and bleed very easily. ITP is a form of thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), which the SSA evaluates under Section 107.08. That listing is generally met when complications of the disorder have required at least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart, with each lasting at least 48 hours.

Inherited Coagulation Disorders

Coagulation is simply another word for clotting. Inherited clotting disorders such as hemophilia are also evaluated under Section 107.08, so the same standard applies: complications that have required at least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart, with each lasting at least 48 hours.

Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease most often occurs in people of African descent, though anyone can be affected. This condition takes its name from the sickle shape it creates in RBCs, which are normally round. Due to their irregular shape, sickle cells cannot pass correctly through the bloodstream, resulting in organ damage and pain.

Under Section 107.05, your child should have one of the following:

• Documented painful (vaso-occlusive) crises requiring injected or IV narcotic pain medication, at least six times within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart.
• Complications of hemolytic anemia requiring at least three hospitalizations within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart, with each lasting at least 48 hours.
• Hemoglobin measurements of 7.0 g/dL or less, at least three times within a 12-month period, at least 30 days apart.
• For beta thalassemia major, life-long red blood cell transfusions at least once every six weeks to maintain life.

If sickle cell disease leads to complications such as heart failure, stroke, or an emotional disorder, the SSA will also consider whether your child meets a listing for another body system.

The experienced Philadelphia disability benefits lawyers at Young, Marr, Mallis & Associates may be able to help your child qualify for SSI. To set up a free and confidential appointment, call our law offices at 215-639-5297, or contact us online today.