TRISOMY 9 & SSI BENEFITS
WHAT IS TRISOMY 9?
Trisomy 9 is a chromosomal disorder that occurs when there are extra copies of chromosome 9 in the cells of the body. Chromosomes are structures that contain genetic information. The typical human cell has 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. In cases of trisomy 9, individuals have three copies of chromosome 9 instead of the usual two.
This genetic anomaly can occur during the formation of reproductive cells. It can also occur during early development of the embryo. Trisomy 9 is a rare condition. Additionally, its effects can vary widely among individuals who have the condition.
Trisomy 9 is most commonly found before birth during testing or after the birth of individuals who have severe symptoms. Many cases of Trisomy 9 result in miscarriage during early pregnancy. This contributes to how rare the condition is in live births. If a child is born with the condition, the mean survival rate is 20 days. However, some may survive beyond the first year of life.
THE THREE TYPES OF TRISOMY 9
There are three types of Trisomy 9:
- FULL TRISOMY 9: When all cells contain three copies of the extra chromosome, this is known as Full Trisomy 9. Full Trisomy 9 is almost always fatal, causing a miscarriage.
- MOSAIC TRISOMY 9: Cases in which some cells contain an additional copy of the entire chromosome are Mosaic Trisomy 9. Mosaic Trisomy 9 usually results in death in early infancy. However, some infants live beyond the first year of life.
- PARTIAL TRISOMY 9: Cases in which cells have two full copies of Chromosome 9 and part of an additional third partial copy are Partial Trisomy 9. Partial Trisomy 9 does not always affect the length of life for an infant. With proper care, those with Partial Trisomy 9 may survive to being an adult. However, infants with Partial Trisomy 9 have a range of health problems and developmental delays.
SYMPTOMS OF TRISOMY 9
The symptoms of Trisomy 9can vary widely among individuals. Some common symptoms associated with Trisomy 9 include:
- Developmental Delays: Individuals with Trisomy 9 may experience delays in developmental achievements, such as sitting, walking, and talking.
- Intellectual Disabilities: Cognitive and intellectual delays are common in individuals with Trisomy 9.
- Facial Features: Some individuals with Trisomy 9 may exhibit facial issues, including a round face, small head, prominent forehead, and a small jaw.
- Growth Restriction: Growth may be affected, leading to smaller stature and weight compared to individuals without the disorder.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Heart structural defects may be present in some cases of Trisomy 9.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Skeletal issues, joint problems, and muscle tone issues can occur with this disease.
- Genitourinary Problems: Malformations of the reproductive and urinary systems can occur.
- Hearing and Vision Problems: Hearing and vision issues may be associated with Trisomy 9.
- Organ Abnormalities: Abnormalities in various organs, such as the kidneys or intestinal tract, may be present.
It is important to note that the symptoms of Trisomy 9 vary between individuals. Not all those with the disorder have every symptom. Additionally, the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Diagnosing Trisomy 9 involves genetic testing. Doctors can work together to meet the specific needs of those with this disorder. Early intervention and ongoing medical care will help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with Trisomy 9.
SSI BENEFITS AND TRISOMY 9
Living with a rare genetic condition like Trisomy 9 comes with unique challenges. For individuals and families facing Trisomy 9, financial support is an important aspect of having a better quality of life. However, winning Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to provide financial help requires meeting a listing and also meeting the SSI income and asset rules.
It should not be hard to prove you deserve SSI benefits if you have Trisomy 9, because Trisomy 9 is a compassionate allowance under the SSA program. This means that the SSA, once they collect your medical records that show you have Trisomy 9, should award benefits. SSI benefits can be granted under a variety of listings for Trisomy 9. For example, SSA’s rules state that this condition meets the following: listing 100.04, 100.05, 104.06, 110.08, 112.02, 112.05, and 112.14.
The main problem that could occur for parents is meeting the income and asset rules for SSI benefits.
Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) benefits are different than SSD benefits. SSI benefits are paid to you if your monthly SSD benefit is a low amount of money. It is also a benefit you can receive if you have never had a job or even if you have only worked for a short period of time.
In order to be paid SSI benefits you must have a very low income, no significant savings, and very few assets. SSI benefits come with Medicaid benefits. But, you must also meet your state’s Medicaid income and asset rules. Read more information about Medicaid benefits.
WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL LIMITS FOR SSI BENEFITS?
In addition to being found disabled, in order to win SSI benefits, you must also meet Social Security’s income and resource rules. Learn more about the SSI asset limits.
THE INCOME TEST
In order to qualify for SSI benefits your countable income cannot exceed the federal benefit rate (FBR). As of January 1, 2024, the SSI benefit for an individual is $943 and $1,415 for an eligible couple. Some states give additional payments on top of the Federal SSI benefit.
Your income includes money you are paid for working, the value of free food or shelter, and money from other sources such as your spouse and family. Additionally, your countable income includes veterans benefits and unemployment benefits. However, only a portion of your spouse’s income is attributed to you by the SSA.
There are also some types of income that the SSA doesn’t consider when figuring out your income. Here are some examples:
- the first $20 of most types of income you get in a month
- income tax refunds
- home energy assistance
- loans you have to repay, and
- grants, scholarships, or gifts of money used to pay for your education.
THE RESOURCES TEST
Individuals who receive SSI benefits cannot have more than $2,000 in resources. Couples cannot have more than $3,000 in combined resources (even if just one person is disabled). Resources are things you own. For example, cash or savings in the bank are resources. Likewise, so are investments, land, cars, motorcycles, or any other items you could sell to help pay for your food and shelter. There are some things, however, that the SSA will not consider when figuring out your income. Here are some examples of resources that do not count against your income:
- your family home and the land it is on
- one vehicle (if it is used by you or your family for transportation)
- personal items (like your wedding ring and clothing)
- house goods (such as furniture)
- burial plots
- an IRA or pension plan of a spouse who is not disabled, and
- life insurance valued at less than $1,500.
OUR LAW FIRM CAN WIN BENEFITS FOR TRISOMY 9
At our law firm we are experts in helping you win SSI benefits. However, we must prove your medical condition meets SSA’s benefit rules. We do that by getting your medical records. Your records show the SSA you cannot work because of your health symptoms.
In order to prove you deserve benefits, you will the support of your doctor. Usually your doctor helps you by writing a letter about your symptoms. In the letter, they should describe the symptoms of Trisomy 9 and explain why you cannot work.
If you do not have a doctor, then you need to get one. You will never win benefits if you don’t have ongoing medical treatment from a professional. It is your responsibility to find a doctor who will help you. Your visits to the doctor will build the medical evidence you need to win your SSI case.
The other reason you need your treating doctor to provide medical evidence is that the SSA has their own medical experts. Their doctor reviews your case prior to your hearing and they can call a medical expert to testify at your hearing. Learn more about the SSA medical expert.
WHAT WE DO TO HELP YOU WIN BENEFITS
You do not need to try to win SSI benefits by yourself. We can help file your SSD application. Also, we can help you appeal every SSA denial. For example, our attorneys and staff can:
- Send you the paperwork and forms 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 a denial from DDS
- Help you confirm your SSA doctor exam
- Request a Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
- Prepare you to testify at your ALJ hearing
- Represent you at your SSD hearing and question the expert witnesses
- Read more about job expert testimony
- Learn more 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. Try not to take that long to finish it. 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 need help to file your application, we will help you.
WE OFFER A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR SSI BENEFITS
If you have a severe medical condition, then our law firm offers clients a free review of their case. But, what does this mean?
For most people who want to become clients, it means we will talk to you about your case over the phone. We will not charge you to examine the merits of your case, including questions about SSI benefits. Most lawyers do charge an attorney fee to review your case. We do not.
Please understand, however, that giving you a free review of your case is not the same thing as becoming your attorney. We examine the merits of your case. Our understanding is based upon what you tell us.
Sometimes, in order to get a better understanding of your case, we will request that you send us your medical records. Or, we may ask for you to send us a copy of your SSA paperwork. We do this so we can understand the details of your case. Even if we ask for more information, it does not mean we accept your case or that we are your attorney.
You will know if you hire our legal team because we will send you our contract and other SSA paperwork to fill out. Return your paperwork to us as soon as possible. If you do not sign and send the paperwork back, then we are not your attorney. We will send you a stamped envelope to send the paperwork back to us.
WE CAN HELP YOU WIN YOUR SSI BENEFITS
If you or your child have Trisomy 9, then you may be wondering whether the SSA will approve your claim for SSI benefits. If so, then call our law firm. We are the only law firm helping SSD and SSI clients in Utah and Nevada with over 30 years of experience. For example, we are rated in the top three SSD lawyers in the state of Utah.
We also help clients in many other states. For example, we have clients in Las Vegas, Nevada. We are also rated in the top three SSD lawyers in the state of Nevada. Find out more about our Nevada legal experience. We also have clients in Idaho, Colorado, and California. Idaho SSD benefits and Colorado SSD benefits are available for you. Additionally, we have California SSD benefits for your information.
Over the past few decades, we have won over 100 million dollars in ongoing and past due benefits for our clients. You can benefit from our experience. We’ll help you get your SSI benefit and fight for the benefits the SSA owes you under the law.
If you want to learn more about our lawyers and staff, then read our About Us page. For instance, Andria Summers can help you choose your Medicare advantage plan. She has also won thousands of SSD cases. Dianna Cannon has been her clients win SSD and SSI benefits for over thirty years. Brett Bunkall also has years of legal experience helping people obtain their benefits. We are experts. You can trust us to help you win SSD and SSI benefits for Trisomy 9.
