Social Security Administration & Children's Disabilities
People often associate the U.S. Social Security Administration with retirement benefits for older adults. However, the SSA also provides benefits to people with disabilities, including some disabled children. Children must meet specific eligibility criteria for benefits; not all disabled children qualify. For those who do, however, these benefits help meet the many expenses involved in caring for disabled children. The amount children can receive each month differs from state to state.
Other People Are Reading
-
Supplemental Security Income
-
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, provides monthly benefits for some children with severe disabilities. SSI also provides benefits for some adults who cannot work due to disabilities and to some elderly people with low incomes and limited resources.
Eligibility
-
To qualify for SSI, a child must suffer from a serious disability that interferes with her ability to function at home, at school or in the community. The child's doctor must determine that her condition will last at least one year or result in death. In addition, her family must be on a limited income with few resources.
-
Covered Disabilities
-
Children may qualify for SSI with a variety of disabilities including respiratory disorders like cystic fibrosis; neurological disorders like cerebral palsy; heart disease; liver disease; Down syndrome; mental retardation; pervasive developmental disorders like autism; and mental illnesses like schizophrenia and mood disorders. The severity of the child's condition must prevent the child from functioning normally or in an age-appropriate way. The SSA uses specific criteria to determine if a child with a particular disorder qualifies for disability benefits.
Application Process
-
Visit your local SSA office to obtain an application or telephone the administration at 800-772-1213. The Social Security Online Reference provides a quick search for local offices by ZIP code. After you apply, you may complete the Child Disability Report on the Social Security Online website. As part of the application process, provide information on all health care professionals who treat your child for his disabling condition and give the administration permission to obtain copies of your child's medical records. Provide copies of school or work records that indicate how your child's condition affects his ability to function at school or on his job.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Child image by Serenitie from Fotolia.com
