Extending Your Student Visa

A student visa that lets you study at the university of your choice is a terrific thing for you. But what happens if your studies take longer than you planned? On top of exams and term papers, you may have to worry about your student visa expiring. That’s where an immigration lawyer can be your best friend. Understanding how immigration laws work can be the first step to making sure that you keep your student visa in good standing. My blog is all about immigration issues, especially those faced by foreign students. Check out the articles for more information that you can use to complete your studies in the country you chose to study in.

Disability Payments For Minors

Law Blog

The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees several benefit programs for those in need. You might have heard of the various Social Security programs but one unique program is aimed at those who are under the age of 18. Read on to find out more.

SSA Benefit Programs

The SSA is not just one program, but several. Take a look at a listing of the following programs so that you will know about the appropriate program when you need help or information:

  1. Social Security Retirement – When you are ready to retire, the SSA offers people monthly payments based on their work history.
  2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – This program is focused on assisting former workers who are no longer able to work due to a medical or mental health condition.
  3. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – This program helps those who have not worked enough to earn SSDI but that own few assets and are medically qualified as disabled.
  4. Supplemental Security Income for Children – This program is connected to SSI but is focused on those under the age of 18 (or under 22 if attending college).

Income and Assets

Just as with SSI for adults, those receiving these benefits must have very few assets or income. Since the recipients of this program are minors, the parents or guardians are the ones who must show that they meet the requirements.

Income – The term the SSA uses for money that is contributing to the care of a child is deeming. In other words, the income that is needed to feed, educate, clothe, etc, the child is what is "deemed" necessary. The parent's or guardian's earned income is compared to the state's median figure to determine whether or not they make too much to qualify for benefits. There are many other factors that go into the equation, however. Some income is not counted and the size of the family is taken into consideration as well.

Assets – Other than earned income, assets of the family are also considered. Many assets are not counted at all, such as a single vehicle and the family's primary residence.

Medical Qualifications

The SSA maintains a list of medical and mental conditions that are covered (called the "blue book") and there are separate listings for those who are being evaluated for SSI for children. Children only need to prove that they suffer from the condition, not that they are being prevented from working due to it as adults must do.

If your child has been turned down for benefits in the SSI Children's program, speak to law firm services.

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30 May 2019