While Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits tend to be for adults that have worked in recent years but are no longer able to do so due to one or more disabilities, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can provide benefits to those who financially qualify, including children.
Medical Requirements
The medical requirements and definition of disability vary from children to adults. For children, the child must have a physical or mental condition that very seriously limits his or her activities and that condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least one year or result in death.
Similar to adult claims, the state agency will review the application, corresponding medical records, available school records, and other information from people who know the child, and make a decision on whether the child is disabled.
Financial Requirements
In addition to meeting the medical requirements, when it comes to SSI, there are also income and resource requirements that must be met. In the case of children, their parents’ income and assets will be counted toward those limits until the minor reaches age eighteen. Children are financially eligible to receive SSI benefits if their parents’ income and assets meet the limits under the SSI program.
The Application Process
The process for SSI benefits for children is similar to the SSI and SSDI processes for adults. It starts with the filing of an application. However, because children are not able to take care of their own affairs, it is up to the parent or guardian to file the initial application. Applications for SSI benefits can be filed in person or over the phone with your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
When filing the application, you should have handy the name, address, and phone number of every doctor, therapist, clinic, and hospital the child has seen over the last year, as well as a list of current medications. In addition, if the child is of school age, have the contact information for all schools the child attended in the last year, including names of teachers, counselors, therapists, and psychologists the child may have seen through his or her attendance at school.
As stated above, a state agency reviews the file and makes a decision on the claim. It can typically take three to five months for SSA to review the entire claim and make a decision. If your child was denied benefits, but you believe they should qualify, contact an attorney today.