Getting Disability Benefits for Children (SSI)

Caring for a physically and/or mentally disabled child can be not only emotionally demanding, but financially devastating. Fortunately, there are financial resources available for income-eligible disabled children in the form of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a federal benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Getting Disability Benefits for Children

In order to qualify for SSI, a child must be under the age of eighteen (18), meet the SSA’s definition of a disabled child, and meet certain household income and resource eligibility requirements. A child is disabled under this definition if his or her physical and/or mental condition causes marked and severe functional limitations that are expected to last at least twelve (12) months and/or result in death. Depending on household income, a disabled child may be entitled to $674 per month (for the year 2011); plus, most states increase the amount of SSI checks by an additional sum for their residents, called a state supplementary payment. 

Filing a Disability Claim

In order to file a claim for disability benefits for your child, you must fill out an application for SSI benefits, which is available on the SSA website online, or through your local SSA office. At the time of your application, you will need to provide SSA with detailed information about your child’s medical condition(s). You will also be asked to sign release forms for each of your child’s medical providers, therapists, teachers, and other professionals, in order to allow SSA to obtain and review your child’s medical and educational records. 

Once SSA has received all of the relevant information about your child’s medical condition(s), SSA’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) will make a decision about your child’s eligibility for SSI benefits.  If SSA does not have enough information, it may pay for your child to have certain tests or see certain medical providers. It can take from three (3) to five (5) months for SSA to make a decision on your benefits claim. However, some medical conditions, such as HIV infection, Down Syndrome, and cerebral palsy, will immediately entitle your child to SSI payments. 

Getting Help from an Attorney

While the SSA does offer assistance in applying for disability benefits for a child, there are certain situations where obtaining legal help may be advisable or necessary. For instance, if the SSA denies your child SSI benefits, there are several levels of reconsideration and appeals for that denial. Particularly if the SSA denies your child SSI more than once, you should consider contacting an experienced disability attorney for assistance in further appealing the SSA’s decision.