Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are available for children with severe disabilities. But estimating the amount your child could receive is quite complicated. The amount doesn't depend on the severity of your child's impairment, but on your family income (if your child is under 18) and your state.
The federal base SSI amount is $710 in 2013. But that amount is higher in many states, because many states add a supplementary payment on to their residents' SSI checks.
In addition, if your child has any income, or if your family has "countable income," part of that income will be deemed available to your child, and this will lower your child's benefit. For more information, read about the complicated parental deeming rules.
Note that income from Social Security disability insurance is available only to minor children whose parents are disabled or deceased. Children over 18 who remain disabled can get SSDI if their parent is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or is deceased.
updated by: Beth Laurence, J.D.