Can I get SSDI for my children?

SSDI, or social security disability insurance, is generally for working adults who have become disabled. In order to be eligible for SSDI, you must have a set number of hours worked in the SSA system. The exact amount of time you have to put in is different depending on how old you are, with younger people permitted to collect SSA benefits after less work time. However, a child doesn't work, doesn't pay into the SSDI system, and is not entitled to social security disability benefits.

However, there are other forms of benefits that your child may be able to qualify for. For example, supplemental security income, or SSI, benefits may be appropriate for your child in certain circumstances. Typically, in order to get these benefits for your child:

• You must demonstrate with convincing and clear medical evidence that your child suffers from some impairing disability. The more solid medical proof you have, the better your chances of successfully making a claim
• That your family income and/or the income of the child, is below mandated levels. SSDI is an income based benefit system and those who make more than the maximum permitted will not be entitled to recover benefits through this system.

To get help making a claim for SSI benefits for your child, you should strongly consider speaking with a lawyer. Your lawyer can also explain to you what, if any, additional social security benefits your child may be entitled to in light of either his disability or the disability of a parent in the household.