Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments for Children with DisabilitiesThe Social Security Administration (SSA) makes monthly payments to people with low income and limited resources who are blind, disabled, or over age 65. Your child under age 18 may qualify for SSI if they meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability for children and if your family income and resources fall within the eligibility limits.
Who is Eligible?Anyone can file for Supplemental Security Income. The application will first be evaluated based on non-medical factors, such as income and assets. If there is potential for payment, then a medical decision will be made to determine if the impairment meets the disability requirements for SSI. An applicant must be shown to be eligible based on both medical and non-medical factors to receive payment.
Income and Resource EligibilityAs part of determining eligibility for SSI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers some of the income and resources from all members living in the household. This process of determining how much of income and resources SSA will count toward eligibility is called "deeming." Examples of income and resources that are not “deemed,” or counted, may include VA benefits, some pensions, the house the applicant lives in, and one vehicle.
There are many rules and exceptions that can be applied to both income and resources when making the determination, and the SSA encourages everyone to file an application when in doubt. If your child is not eligible for SSI because your family’s income and assets are too high, they may become eligible when they turn 18. Social Security no longer includes the income and resources of other household members to make an eligibility decision when the applicant is age 18 or older. Families should re-evaluate potential eligibility as circumstances change. Disability Eligibility The basic definition for disability is that the individual has a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months, or that is expected to end in death. Social Security also looks at the ability of an adult to perform work. The rules for a child are different. The SSA looks to see if the child’s impairment causes functional limitations. This means that any disability can be considered.
It usually takes about 6 to 9 months for SSA to review the application and the child's medical records. After they make a decision, they will send a letter to the child. If the child's condition is on the Compassionate Allowances list, the process can go more quickly. The Compassionate Allowances list is a list of the most serious health conditions that get reviewed faster. Compassionate Allowances conditions can be found here: https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm If it looks like a child’s condition meets the rules for disability, SSA may start sending payments right away. In this case, SSI payments may be made for up to six months while SSA does a full review and decides if the child meets the criteria for receiving payments. More information can be found here: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-expedite-ussi.htm How to ApplyCall 1-800-772-1213 to make a phone or in-person appointment at a local Social Security office to apply. If you need in-person help, you must make an appointment. For a child under 18, a Child Disability Report must be completed. This can be started online at https://www.ssa.gov/apply or by calling 800-772-1213 to set up an appointment.
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Programs and systems change often. It is important to ensure that you are using the most current information. Please check https://www.inf2f.org/fact-sheets.html for the most recent edition.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
This fact sheet was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $96,750 with 89% percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of INF2F and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
