SSI for Children

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides benefits to children with disabilities and limited income. To qualify for SSI benefits, a child must meet the following criteria:

• Disability: The child must have a disability that severely limits their ability to function in daily life. This disability must meet the SSA’s strict criteria, including the Listing of Impairments for children, which includes conditions such as developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, and others.
• Age: The child must be under the age of 18. Children aged 18 or older must apply for adult disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI).
• Financial Need: SSI is a needs-based program, so the family must meet certain income and resource limits. The household income, including parents' income and assets, plays a role in determining eligibility. The SSA will assess the child’s financial situation to ensure that they qualify for assistance.

SSDI for Children

In some cases, children may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if a parent is receiving SSDI benefits or has deceased due to a disability. Children can receive benefits based on the work record of a disabled or deceased parent. Here’s how a child can qualify for SSDI:

• Work Record of a Parent: If the child’s parent has worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years, and is either currently receiving SSDI benefits or has died due to a disability, the child may qualify for derivative SSDI benefits.
• Age: The child must be under 18 years old, or up to age 19 if they are still attending school full-time. If the child is 18 or older and has a disability that started before age 22, they may qualify for adult SSDI benefits as a disabled adult child (DAC).
• Disability: The child must have a severe impairment or combination of impairments that significantly limits their ability to perform basic daily activities, as defined by the SSA.

Medical Criteria for Children

For children to qualify for disability benefits, they must meet the SSA’s Listing of Impairments for children. This list outlines a variety of physical and mental conditions that can qualify a child for benefits if they meet the severity and duration requirements. Some common qualifying conditions for children include:

• Down Syndrome
• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Severe Mental Disorders
• Childhood Cancer
• Severe Physical Injuries

The SSA evaluates the child’s condition based on medical evidence, including doctor’s reports, medical records, and school reports that show how the child’s condition affects their ability to function.

Application Process for Children

The process for applying for disability benefits for a child includes the following steps:

1. Submit an Application: Parents or guardians can submit an application online at the SSA website or at their local Social Security office. It is important to complete the application thoroughly and provide all requested medical documentation.
2. Provide Medical Evidence: The SSA requires substantial medical evidence to support the child’s disability. This can include doctor’s reports, test results, and statements from teachers or social workers who have observed the child’s behavior and functional limitations.
3. Review by the SSA: Once the application is submitted, the SSA will review the child’s medical records and determine whether the child’s condition qualifies for benefits. If the claim is denied, the family can appeal the decision.