Obtaining SSI Benefits for Children with Disabilities

For children living with disabilities, the costs of ongoing medical care and treatment needed for the child can be costly. As such, it is vital for the parents, caregivers, and representatives of a child with a disability to know that financial assistance that can aid in the child’s care may be available in the form of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. A child must be under the age of 18 to qualify for this financial support as well as meet the definition of disability for children as defined by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition, the income and resources of the child must fall within the eligibility limits.

Child Disability Benefits Qualifications

The following is more information on the requirements of the SSA for a child to be considered disabled and eligible to receive disability benefits:

• A child must have a mental or physical condition, or a combination of conditions, that seriously limits his or her activities.
• The condition of the child must have been disabling, or expected to be disabling, for a minimum of 12 months or result in the child’s death.
• The child must not be working and earning more than $1,010 a month in 2012. If he or she is working and earning this amount, the child will not be considered disabled.

Child Disability Benefits Application Process

In order for your disabled child to receive SSI payments, an interview will be conducted in which detailed information will need to be provided regarding the child’s medical condition and the affect it has on his or her daily life and ability to function. Also, a parent or caregiver may need to give permission for teachers, doctors, and other professionals involved in his or her child’s life to send information to the SSA. For further information on the interview and what will need to be provided, visit the Childhood Disability Checklist at http://www.ssa.gov/disability/Checklist%20-%20Child.pdf.

Upon completion of the interview and submission of the required information, the Disability Determination Services in your state will make a decision regarding the benefits. A decision may take three to five months; however, for some conditions, such as cerebral palsy, total deafness or blindness, or HIV infection, SSI payments may be given immediately and for up to six months while the state agency makes their decision.

Professional Assistance with Your SSI Child Disability Claim

Financial assistance from the Social Security Administration can be a great relief for families or caretakers of disabled children, but ensuring any necessary paperwork, documents, or other required information is submitted successfully and without error can be stressful and overwhelming for those focused on caring for a disabled child. At the Jurewitz Law Group, our San Diego SSI child disability lawyers understand how complicated the benefits application process can be and can help you every step of the way to ensure everything is properly completed and your child receives the benefits he or she is entitled to. For assistance with your SSI child disability claim, please call (888) 233-5020.