The only way special health programs exist in the USA, such as Black Lung, is through federal legislation. It may be the Mayor may have to ask to speak directly to Congress.
But, the problem extends beyond Flint, unfortunately. Children can receive disability payments.
Disability payments for children are based on their parents income. Considering the children effected by lead poisoning are low income or impoverished, their determination would be more or less a SSI payment, not necessarily an SSDI payment.
This is the online link: https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
I'd get started now. The parents don't have to make special trips to the Social Security Offices, they can fill out the forms online or by interview over the phone as soon as the SSI office receives the request. The application cannot be denied. It is the monetary and health insurance that can be denied. If a child is rejected and with a known history of lead poisoning I am sure lawyers specializing in SSI or SSDI can help. But, I would not wait for a special legislative measure. I have absolutely no confidence in Congress. This nightmare, especially the way it occurred in Flint, is a national disgrace. Where has everyone been?
The way this is all manifesting, it is looking like racism. Profound racism. These are children. Poor children and they are handicapped now. It is unconscionable.
But, the problem extends beyond Flint, unfortunately. Children can receive disability payments.
Disability payments for children are based on their parents income. Considering the children effected by lead poisoning are low income or impoverished, their determination would be more or less a SSI payment, not necessarily an SSDI payment.
This is the online link: https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/
I'd get started now. The parents don't have to make special trips to the Social Security Offices, they can fill out the forms online or by interview over the phone as soon as the SSI office receives the request. The application cannot be denied. It is the monetary and health insurance that can be denied. If a child is rejected and with a known history of lead poisoning I am sure lawyers specializing in SSI or SSDI can help. But, I would not wait for a special legislative measure. I have absolutely no confidence in Congress. This nightmare, especially the way it occurred in Flint, is a national disgrace. Where has everyone been?
The way this is all manifesting, it is looking like racism. Profound racism. These are children. Poor children and they are handicapped now. It is unconscionable.
