Can children be eligible for disability?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/16/2025
Yes, children can be eligible for disability benefits—under certain conditions. While adults typically apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), children may qualify for benefits under the SSI program if they have a qualifying disability and meet specific criteria.

Let’s take a closer look at how children can qualify for disability and what steps you can take to apply for benefits.
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How Children Qualify for Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers disability benefits to children through Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To qualify for SSI, children must meet these key criteria:
- Disability Requirement
- The child must have a severe medical condition (physical or mental) that prevents them from functioning normally.
- The disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
- Income and Resource Limitations
- Children under 18 must have limited family income and resources. For a child’s SSI application to be approved, the family’s income and resources must fall below specific limits set by the SSA.
- For instance, in 2025, the SSA considers an individual’s resources to be too high if they exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
- Age Requirement
- The child must be under the age of 18 to apply as a dependent for SSI benefits.
What Types of Disabilities Qualify for Children?
Children may qualify for SSI benefits if they suffer from a severe physical or mental impairment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Severe intellectual disabilities
- Heart conditions
- Vision or hearing impairments
- Cancer or other serious diseases
The SSA will evaluate the severity of the condition and how it limits the child’s ability to function in various areas such as school, play, and other everyday activities.
How the SSA Evaluates Children for Disability
The SSA uses a child-specific disability evaluation process that includes:
- Medical Evidence: A child must provide documentation from doctors, hospitals, or other medical sources detailing the child’s condition and how it limits their functioning.
- Functioning in Daily Life: SSA evaluates how the disability affects the child’s ability to function in age-appropriate activities, including school, play, and other daily tasks.
- Comparison to Other Children: The SSA compares the child’s condition to other children of the same age. A disability that may be significant for one child may not meet the SSA’s disability criteria for others in the same age group.
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
Navigating the application process for a child’s disability claim can be overwhelming, but Hogan Smith is here to assist. Here’s how we can help:
- Help assess the eligibility for SSI based on your child’s condition and your family’s resources
- Assist in gathering medical evidence and documents to support the claim
- Guide you through the application process to ensure all details are correct and complete
- Represent you in case of an appeal if your child’s claim is denied
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you believe your child may qualify for SSI disability benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out. Hogan Smith is ready to help you navigate the application process and fight for the support your child needs.
Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation.
We’ll review your case and ensure you take the right steps in securing the benefits your child may be entitled to.
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