How to Apply for Child SSI Disability
Parents who have children with disabilities may experience financial difficulties due to costly treatments, therapies and adaptive equipment. The exact nature of the child's disability and the family's income bracket may qualify the child for disability payments from Social Security, called SSI (Social Security income). Applying for child SSI is a straightforward process.
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Things You'll Need
- Child disability starter kit
- Child's birth certificate
- Medical and school records
- Medication list
- Parents' income verification
- Child disability report
- Disability interview
Instructions
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Download the child disability starter kit that is available on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) website (see Resources). The kit contains frequently asked questions about eligibility of children with disabilities for SSI and a worksheet to help you determine if your child qualifies. Some of the qualifications include having a physical or mental condition that has continued for at least one year or that severely limits your child's ability to function.
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Call the SSA to determine whether your family's income qualifies your child for assistance and to begin to apply for SSI disability payments. An SSA representative can assist you over the phone or may suggest that you make an appointment at a local branch for more detailed help. Find your local SSA using your zip code (see Resources).
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Collect the medical information necessary for your scheduled child disability interview. The application calls for names and addresses of the doctors and other medical professionals who have treated your child within the past year, all medical and school records that show treatments and IEPs (individualized education plans), your child's birth certificate and a list of medications your child is taking.
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Fill out the online Child Disability Report as part of the application process (see Resources). This report contains detailed information about your child's health and also gives your permission for his doctors to discuss his condition with the SSA. If you feel uncomfortable completing this part of the application online, you can fill out the report at your local SSA office.
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Bring copies of both parents' pay stubs, bank statements and any insurance policies to the disability interview. Financial records are used to help establish eligibility. Once all of your paperwork is completed and reviewed, you will be notified of your child's status and the payment schedule, if applicable.
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