How to Apply for SSI for My Child

Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is available to assist individuals who are unable to work or support themselves because of a disability. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, is the agency that approves SSI benefit claims for individuals. SSI benefits are also available for children who meet the SSA’s guidelines as having a disability.    

Eligibility for SSI Benefits

To be eligible for SSI benefits, your child must be under the age of 18 or under the age of 22 and is a student regularly attending school. The child will also have to meet the SSA’s definition of disability for children. According to the SSA, the child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, that result in marked and severe functional limitations. In other words, the disability must greatly affect and limit a child’s day-to-day activities. In addition, the condition must have affected the child for at least twelve months to constitute a disability. In some situations, the condition may be expected to result in death. Though rarely applicable, the child must not be working and earning more than $1,000 a month.

When making a SSI determination, the SSA considers many factors, including the income and resources of the child’s parents. In other words, if the parents of a disabled child are wealthy and have many resources available to help support the child, the child may not be eligible to receive SSI benefits. However, the SSA also deducts expenses related to the disability from a parent’s income or resources when evaluating the financial condition of the family. 

How to Apply for SSI for My Child

You can apply for SSI benefits for your child by calling the SSA or visiting your local SSA office. You will need to complete a claim form detailing the child’s medical condition. In addition, you will need to bring both you and the child’s social security card and a copy of a birth certificate when applying. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible to the SSA regarding the child’s disability including how the disability affects the child on a daily basis. The SSA will ask for a complete medical history, including the names of the child’s doctor, hospital and dates of treatment. The SSA may request that a medical exam be performed to determine whether a child is affected by a disability. As stated above, the income and the resources of the parent of the child are essential to a SSI benefit claim. Therefore, the parent must provide pay stubs and past tax returns detailing how much income the parent is earning. The SSA will review the claim and notify you by mail whether your child has qualified for SSI benefits.

Getting Legal Help

If you have questions about how to apply for SSI for your child, contact an experienced disability attorney. An attorney can evaluate your child’s condition and help you complete a disability claim.