OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD) & SSI
WHAT IS OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER (ODD)?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a mental condition where a child or teenager has a pattern of hostile, defiant behavior. This behavior targets authority figures such as parents, teachers, and other adults. Children and teens with ODD often display behaviors that are disrespectful and aggressive. Also, they usually have trouble handling their emotions. The exact cause of ODD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of the child’s environment, genes, and other developmental factors.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder usually begins in childhood by the age of 8 years old. Although it can be found in children as young as preschool age. It can be difficult to tell the symptoms of ODD from normal behavior, especially in young children. However, ODD behavior may occur more often in certain situations, such as in school with authority figures or in social situations.
Children with ODD don’t see their behavior as defiant. They feel like adults who ask them to behave are making unreasonable demands on them. It is important to note that not all children who display defiant or hostile behavior have ODD. The diagnosis of ODD requires that the symptoms are ongoing, occur in multiple places, and significantly interfere with a child’s daily life and relationships.
SYMPTOMS AND BEHAVIORS SEEN IN OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER
Symptoms of ODD are usually mild to start with and get worse over time. A professional diagnosis of ODD can be made when symptoms from the condition interfere with a child’s home, school, or social environment for at least six months.
Common symptoms and behaviors seen in Oppositional Defiant Disorder can include:
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Screaming, crying, hitting and throwing objects
- Arguing with adults and authority figures
- Refusing to follow rules or requests
- Deliberately annoying others
- Blaming others for their mistakes
- Being easily annoyed or angered
- Physical fighting with others
- Hitting, kicking or biting other children
- Destroying property
- Lack of empathy for others
In the United States, Oppositional Defiant Disorder is estimated to effect 3% to 5% of children. This means that almost 3 to 5 out of every 100 children may have ODD. It is important to note that ODD can be difficult to diagnose and because of this problem, in some cases, errors are made.
If you are worried that your child may have ODD, you should seek professional help from a doctor. Early treatment can be help manage symptoms and improve the lives of children and their families.
Additionally, Oppositional Defiant Disorder often occurs along with other mental health conditions, such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety. Children with ODD may also be at a higher risk for substance abuse and other emotional problems later in life. This makes early treatment even more important.
TREATMENT FOR OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER
The treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder often requires a combination of treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.
CBT is a type of therapy that helps those with ODD learn new coping skills to manage their behavior and emotions. CBT may involve individual therapy, family therapy, or both. In family therapy, parents may learn behavior management techniques to better understand and respond to their child’s behavior.
Medication may also be used to help manage symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This is particularly true if there are other mental health conditions, such as ADHD or anxiety. Your doctor may give your child medications such as a stimulant, antidepressant, or a medication for mood swings.
In addition to therapy and medication, there are other ways to help manage Oppositional Defiant Disorder, such as:
- Creating a structure and routine at home
- Setting clear limits and consequences for behavior
- Encouraging positive behavior and giving rewards for good behavior
- Physical activity and exercise
- Healthy eating habits and getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress in the home environment
It is important to work closely with a mental health professional or doctor to develop an individual treatment plan for ODD for the specific needs of the child and their family.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of stigma for those with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. It is important to remember that ODD is a real mental condition that requires medical help and support, and that children with ODD are not just poorly behaved.
CAN A CHILD GET SSI BENEFITS IF THEY HAVE OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER?
If your child has Oppositional Defiant Disorder that interferes with their ability to function for at least twelve months, they may be able to receive benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
In order to receive SSI benefits, a child must have a physical or mental condition that causes marked or severe symptoms. Functional limits impact the child’s development in school and at home. You will know if there is a problem if you child is behind other children her age. For example, your child might have low grades, poor test scores, or behavior problems at school. Learn how the SSA looks at domains of function and mental conditions in children.
To win SSI benefits, the income of the child’s parents must not exceed a certain maximum level. Income can come from your employer. It can also include child support payments and other sources of income. You must check with the SSA to figure out if your family meets the income and asset rules. You cannot simply assume that you fit their rules, because the rules are complex.
The SSA looks at the income of all of the people in your house on a monthly basis. Also, the SSA requires you to report any changes in income. This helps them determine whether or not you continue to qualify for SSI benefits. For further information about the income and asset rules for SSI, contact our law firm.
WHAT ARE SSI BENEFITS?
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to adults and children with a severe mental condition and who also have income and resources below certain financial limits.
SSI payments are designed to give you monthly income to bring you to a certain standard of living when you have a condition that prevents you from working. SSI is a Federal program funded by general taxes (not Social Security taxes). It provides monthly payments to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. The base monthly federal amount varies and depends on your living situation and income. For information read SSI Benefits – What You Need to Know.
Not everyone gets the same amount of SSI benefit. You may get more money if you live in a state that adds money to the federal SSI payment. Similarly, you may get less if you have other income such as wages or Social Security benefits. You may also get less if someone pays your bills or rent. Or, you may get less if you live with a spouse and he or she has income. You might be able to get SSI if your resources are worth $2,000 or less.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SSI AND SSD BENEFITS
Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits are different than Social Security Disability (“SSD”) benefits. SSI benefits are an addition to SSD benefits and they are paid to you if your monthly SSD benefit is a low amount of money.
However, you or your child can also receive SSI for ODD if you have never had a job or if you have only worked for a short period of time. In order to win SSI benefits you must meet SSA’s rules. SSI benefits also come with Medicaid benefits. Medicaid is an insurance benefit that pays for your visits to the doctor.
However, you must also qualify by not having significant assets (a cabin, a boat) or money (more than $2000 saved in the bank). The financial rules that govern SSI are complex. Therefore, you need the help of an SSI benefits attorney to help you understand if you can get SSI benefits. Our office is in Salt Lake City, but our attorneys can help you wherever you live.
Many parents wish to qualify for SSI benefits simply to obtain Medicaid. This makes sense considering that medical bills cost so much. Unfortunately, in order to qualify for Medicaid you usually must also qualify for SSI benefits. However, this is not true in all circumstances, so make sure that you apply for Medicaid. If you qualify for even one dollar of SSI benefits, then you usually receive Medicaid benefits too.
OUR ATTORNEYS WILL ANSWER YOUR SSI QUESTIONS
The lawyers and staff at our law firm can help you file your application for SSI benefits online at Social Security’s website. Usually, we can tell you over the phone if your child has a good chance of winning SSI benefits. Call us or fill out our contact form and we will answer your questions for free about SSI benefits.
If you want to win SSI benefits, then you need to take the first step and call us now. Hire our experienced team of attorneys to help you with your case. Your child will need to go to the doctor, counselor, or another treating medical source to prove that they deserve benefits.
Medical records are the information we will need to prove to the SSA that your child meets SSA’s rules. Don’t worry. Your job is to take your child to the doctor and get treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. We will help you collect the medical records you need to prove you deserve SSI benefits. Learn about the five step process to qualify for Social Security benefits.
WORK WITH YOUR LAWYER ON YOUR ODD CASE
In addition to medical records, your lawyer may request other evidence. For example, this may include letters from your doctor, the school, teachers, and counselors. Your lawyer may want to send in letters from your family or friends. They can write about the behaviors they have seen. Additionally, there may be other forms that your doctor can complete on your child’s behalf. These records can add to what is already in your child’s SSA file. Also, they can provide valuable support for the SSI claim.
With your file complete and ready to go, you will then talk with your lawyer. This meeting provides crucial information regarding your child’s SSI claim and the court process. Your meeting is likely the final stage before going to your hearing. So, make sure to ask questions at the meeting with your lawyer.
Once you have a hearing date work with your lawyer. Complete the Notice of Hearing forms and update your medical records. Additionally, talk to your doctor about the special forms and letters to be written on behalf of your child.
Finally, prepare with your lawyer to testify at your hearing about your child’s ODD. At the hearing, take a deep breath, focus, and speak your mind. It’s the very best way to ensure you receive the help you need. If you need a lawyer for your ALJ hearing, then please contact us today.
WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN SSI BENEFITS FOR OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER
You do not need to apply for SSI benefits for Oppositional Defiant Disorder by yourself. You can always call our law firm and we will help you win SSI benefits. There is no charge to call us. We can help you file your SSI application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:
- Send you the paperwork you need to become our client
- Help you file your application for SSD and SSI benefits
- Inform the SSA they should pay your benefits under the Compassionate Allowance Rules
- Request an appeal if you receive an initial denial
- Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Prepare you to testify at your SSA hearing
- Represent you at your hearing and question the expert witnesses
- Read about job expert testimony at the SSA hearing
- Learn about medical expert testimony
- Request review of an SSA decision with the Appeals Council
- Request review of an Appeals Council denial in Federal Court
If you file your application for benefits online at Social Security’s website, then you have 6 months to complete the application. Once you submit your application online, the SSA sends you an application summary in the mail. You must sign the summary and mail it back. If you don’t send it back, the SSA will not process your SSI application. Sign it and send it back as soon as you can.
WE OFFER A FREE REVIEW IN OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER CASES
If you need help filing for SSI benefits, then reach out to our Social Security law firm. Taking the first step by calling us. All you need to do is reach out to our legal team.
Additionally, we offer a free review of your case. What that means is that you can call us and explain your situation. At that point, we will look at the merits of your case for free and let you know if you have a chance to win benefits. We do not charge you for our review of your case.
In the past 30 years, we have won over $100 million in SSDI and SSI benefits for our clients. We are experts at what we do and we will put our knowledge to work for you. Hire us to be your Social Security legal team.
We help clients win benefits in many states, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and California. Find out more about your benefits and how to apply in your state here:
- California SSDI and SSI benefits
- Colorado SSDI and SSI benefit information
- Idaho SSDI and SSI benefits
- Nevada SSDI and SSI benefits
- Utah SSDI and SSI benefits
No matter where you live, we want to be your legal team for your child’s Oppositional Defiant Disorder case. Hire the best Social Security legal team with no money down. Also, there will be no attorney fee unless we win your case. Contact us today. We will do our best to help you win SSI benefits.
YOU ONLY PAY ATTORNEY FEES IF WE WIN YOUR BENEFITS
The SSA has capped attorney fees in Social Security cases at 25% of your past due SSDI benefit or $7200, whichever amount is less. The cap is going up to $9200 in November 2024. This is the most your attorney can charge you if your case is won at the hearing level or below. It doesn’t matter if your case is a child’s case for Oppositional Defiant Disorder or for adult benefits, the attorney fee is the same.
For example, if your attorney wins your SSI case and your back benefit is $10,000, then the attorney fee will be 25% of the back benefit, or $2500. In such a case, you would not pay the cap. Instead, the attorney fee is 25% of the back benefit, which is less than the cap.
In another example, if you attorney wins your SSI case and your back benefit is $100,000, the attorney fee is not $25,000, which is 25% of the back benefit. Instead, the attorney fee would be the cap. Because the cap is the most your attorney can charge you after winning your case at the hearing level or below. That is true even if 25% is higher than the cap.
Additionally, your attorney can only charge an attorney fee if they win your case. In other words, if you do not win your SSI benefits, then you do not pay an attorney fee. This means that your attorney has worked for up to two years on your case for free. So, if you don’t get benefits, then your attorney doesn’t get paid. Obviously, your attorney has a good reason to win your case. Learn about attorney fees in SSD cases.
HIRE US FOR OUR YEARS OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE
The SSA benefits application and appeal process can be long and complex. Hire Cannon Disability Law to give you legal advice and walk you through the application process. In the past 30 years, we have won millions of dollars in ongoing and past due benefits for our clients.
If you want to win SSI benefits, then hire an attorney with the legal experience to win your case. You only pay us an attorney fee when you win benefits. If you don’t win, then you don’t pay an attorney fee. You should hire an attorney to increase your chances of winning SSI benefits. For help, contact us.
If you want to learn more about our lawyers and staff, then read our About Us page. For example, you can learn about Andria Summers, who has 21 years of experience working at our law firm. She can also help you with your Medicare advantage plan. She has also won thousands of SSDI and SSI cases.
Additionally, Dianna Cannon has been helping her clients win benefits for over thirty years. Ms. Cannon has years of Federal Court experience. She has also taught law school and written a book on SSDI benefits. Brett Bunkall also has legal experience helping people obtain their SSI and SSD benefits. We are Social Security law experts. You can trust us to help you win your benefits. We will do everything we can to make the difficult process of winning benefits for Oppositional Defiant Disorder as easy as possible for you.
