Social Security Income and SSDI Benefits for Children

Child Social Security Disability

• Child SSDI Overview
• Qualifying for Child SSDI
• Child Disability Medical Exams
• Eligible Child Disabilities
• Child Disability Claim Evaluations
• Approved Child Disability Claims
• Denied Child SSDI Claims and Appeals
• Special Circumstances for Child SSI and SSDI

The Social Security Act provides a guaranteed income to older workers when they reached age 65; the program was expanded to provide benefits to disabled workers, worker’s dependents, and death benefits if a worker died prematurely.

Social Security Disability is cash benefits paid to workers who are ill or injured. The benefits are paid based on contributions workers wage deductions while employed.

Children that Can Qualify for SSI or SSDI

Disabled Child – unmarried child (includes adopted child and in some instances stepchild and grandchild) over the age of 18:
Child - unmarried child (includes adopted child and in some instances stepchild and grandchild) must be under the age of 18 or under age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full-time.

SSDI Requirements for Children

• Children can qualify for SSI if the disabling condition is severe enough and if they meet income requirements
• Children can qualify for SSDI if the parent or guardian is disabled.

Types of SSDI Programs Available for Children

SSI for those under the age of 18 – SSI is available to persons who meet the disability requirements but have little income or resources. This applies to children under the age of 18.
SDI for children based on the record of a parent – if a parent is disabled, the child can receive benefits as a dependent of the parent.
SSDI for those disabled since childhood – an adult who is disabled since childhood can receive disability benefits when they become an adult using the parent’s social security number and work record. This is called a “child’s benefit” even though it is using the parents earning record.