How to Claim SSI Benefits for Children

Contrary to what most people believe, social security benefits are not merely for retired and elderly people as well as disabled employees – children can also be beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Eligibility for SSI Benefits

These benefits are paid out from a parent’s Social Security earnings record however, not all children are eligible to receive SSI benefits. Here are some of the essential qualifications:

1. Falls under the Social Security Administration’s definition of a child meaning: 1. Under the age of 18 years old or 2. Is below 22 years old and is a student who regularly attends school.
2. The child must either be blind or disabled. Also, the child must have a physical or mental condition or a combination of conditions, which result to severe functional limitations.
3. The child’s medical condition should last or is expected to last, at least 12 months or must result in death.
4. Must not be working and earning more than $1,000 a month

Conditions Covered

The following are the medical conditions that may qualify your child for the immediate payment of SSI benefits:

1. Blindness
2. Total deafness
3. A Birth weight which falls below 2 pounds, 10 ounces
4. HIV infection
5. Cerebral palsy
6. Down Syndrome
7. Muscular dystrophy
8. Severe mental retardation

See also Filing Disability for Childhood Growth Impairment

Applying for Child SSI Benefits

You may apply for your child’s SSI benefits by applying to your local Social Security office or by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Take note filing for SSI disability for children is like other social security benefits, your claim would also be evaluated for eligibility first before being approved.

To expedite and ensure the approval of your claim, make sure that you provide a detailed information about your child’s condition and how it affects his or her functional abilities on a daily basis. Information from your child’s doctor, teacher, or any other expert/professional who would have knowledge about your child’s condition should also be included in your application.

It usually takes three to five months for the SSA to decide if your child qualifies, so the more you put together a comprehensive application that can make their evaluation easier, the faster your claim can get approved.

It is hard to raise a disabled child. Often, long-term, round the clock care is needed to cater to his needs, and depending on the severity of the disability, treatment and therapy may also be required.

Consult a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Help

Receiving SSI for your child is a way of easing the financial burden you would need to shoulder to give your child the care he or she deserves. So if you have a child with a physical or mental impairment, ask the advice of a social security lawyer to find out if he or she may avail of such financial assistance.