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Low Birth Weight in Infants

by | Aug 31, 2018 | Social Security Disability |

Low Birth Weight in Infants

Because infants born with a low birth weight may experience problems related to their prematurity and associated perinatal complications, low birth weight is one criterion used to determine if a child is qualified for disability under Supplemental Security Income. This is because the lower an infant’s birth weight, the greater the likelihood and severity of problems the infant might suffer in the future. Such problems may require lengthy initial hospitalizations or can result in long-term complications involving the infant’s growth, developmental patterns, physical health, and age-appropriate functioning.

Under Listing 100.04, an infant’s weight is evaluated from birth until the infant reaches the age of 1. The Social Security Administration will look at the infant’s birth weight and gestational age. Birth weight is defined as the first weight recorded after birth which is documented in an original or certified copy of the infant’s birth certificate or by a medical record signed by a physician. Gestational age is the infant’s age based on the date of conception as recorded in the medical record. 1 pound is equal to 453.59 grams.

To qualify, the infant’s birth weight must be less than 1200 grams or correlate with the following chart:

Gestation Age (in weeks)

Birth Weight

37-40

2000 grams or less

36

1875 grams or less

35

1700 grams or less

34

1500 grams or less

33

1325 grams or less

32

1250 grams or less

If your infant was born with a low birth weight, he or she might be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits. To learn more about the potential disability benefits available for your child, contact an experienced Social Security disability attorney at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. at 251-343-1111. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. represents Social Security disability claimants in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana at all levels of the disability process from initial application to appeals to Federal Court.

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