SSI for childrenOnly one of the Social Security Disability programs addresses disability for children, and that is the Supplemental Security disability program, or SSI program as it is more commonly referred to. How does a child qualify to receive SSI disability benefits? Remember Supplemental Security Income is a need-based program, so the parents of the disabled child must meet the income and resource limits established by the Social Security Administration. Once it has been established that the family meets the income and resource rules of SSI, the child must meet the medical disability criteria of the SSI disability program. How does the Social Security Administration establish the child's medical entitlement to SSI benefits? Social Security will set up a disability interview with a parent or guardian, so that information about the child's medical history can be obtained. You (parent or guardian) should be prepared to provide functional information about your child, as well as the names, telephone numbers, and address of the child's treating physicians, clinics, hospitals, and dates of treatment. The Social Security office will send your child's claim to the state disability-processing agency for processing. If the state disability agency is able to acquire enough current information from the sources you provided, they will make a disability determination. However, if the available medical information is not enough to make a decision, your child will have to attend a consultative examination with a physician provided by Social Security. If the state disability agency finds your child to be disabled, your local Social Security office will contact you to make an appointment to review your income and resources. This is to make sure that you (parents or guardian) still meet the income and resource limits. Of course if you will meet all the income and resource criteria for the SSI program, your child will be entitled to receive a disability benefit. Additional information: Will my children get benefits if I get disability? How to apply for disability benefits for children About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? These pages answer some of the most basic questions for individuals who are considering filing a claim. How to get Disability in North Carolina Filing for disability - where to go Qualifying for disability Winning disability benefits, how to win Winning disability for a mental condition Social Security Disability Back pay, SSD, SSI Social Security Disability SSI Criteria If you apply for disability in Indiana Will I qualify for disability Benefits in Indiana? Getting a Disability Lawyer in Indiana |
