Feb
25
2011
By Guest (not verified)
I am 19 years old.
I have a cleft pallet. You know, my mouth.
It's hard for people to understand me when I talk.
I've applied for jobs and jobs and still nothing, because they think i'm shy because I cannot talk loud enough for people to understand me.
Can I get SSI?
Receiving SSI with cleft palate
It is worth looking into applying for SSI disability benefits. Here is where you can learn how to qualify and apply :
http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/d&s1.htm
Whether you receive benefits depends on the degree of the disability. If your disability is deemed extreme, you may qualify for benefits.
Here are a couple links specific to the cleft palate condition which may be useful to see if you may qualify.
http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/ssi/02/SSR2009-05-ssi-02.html
http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/ssi/02/SSR98-01-ssi-02.html
Social Security Disability Requirements
It may be difficult to get Social Security disability unless you can show how your condition keeps you from working. It isn't enough to show that you can't find a job. You have to show that your condition is serious enough to prevent you from doing any job that may be available in the national economy. You might consider applying on the basis of anxiety or depression, if you have those conditions documented in your medical file. Bottom line, it doesn't cost you anything to apply. Keep in mind that 75 percent of applications get denied--even when there is clear evidence of disability. People who win usually have to take their case to an Administrative Law Judge (the process is called a hearing). The Social Security process for disability can easily take 12 to 24 months, including the time you spend waiting for the hearing. A Social Security lawyer or a vocational expert may be worth talking to. There is a lot of information (and some misinformation) on the internet.