What You Should Know Before You Apply for SSI Disability Benefits for a Child

Children from birth up to age 18 may get SSI benefits if they are disabled and have little or no income and resources. Here are some answers to common questions:

How Does Social Security Decide if a Child is Disabled?

• The child must have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits activities.
• The condition must last at least one year or could result in death.

A state agency will review the information you provide and may request more information from doctors, schools, and others. If necessary, they will arrange and pay for an exam or test for the child.

How Can I Get Ready for the Disability Interview?

• • Review the disability starter kit, which includes a checklist and worksheet to gather needed information.
  • If you have internet access, you can complete a Child Disability Report at www.socialsecurity.gov/childdisabilityreport.

• For more info, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/ or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for the deaf or hard of hearing).

How Does Social Security Decide if a Child Can Get SSI?

• Children can get SSI if they meet the disability definition and have little or no income and resources. Social Security also considers the family’s income and resources.

How Will I Know What Social Security Has Decided?

• You will get a letter with the decision. It can take 3 to 5 months. Keep your address and phone number updated so they can contact you.

Will My Personal Information Be Kept Safe?

• Yes, Social Security protects your privacy as the Privacy Act of 1974 requires.

What if I Am More Comfortable Speaking in a Language Other Than English?

• Free interpreter services are available to help you.

Other Important Information

Please note that SSI is not a medical assistance program. Your state Medicaid agency, local health department, social services office, or hospital can help you find health care services.

Medicaid

• Medicaid is a health care program for people with low incomes. In most states, children who get SSI benefits can also get Medicaid. Even if a child can’t get SSI, they may still receive Medicaid. Contact your state Medicaid agency or Social Security office for more information.

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

• SCHIP provides health insurance to children from working families who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance. SCHIP covers prescription drugs, vision, hearing, and mental health services. For more info, visit www.insurekidsnow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).

Other Health Care Services

• If a child under 16 is found disabled and gets SSI, they will be referred to state children’s agencies for help. Even if they don’t get SSI, these agencies may still help.

Work Opportunities for Young People Getting SSI

• SSI doesn’t count most of a child’s earnings when figuring the payment. Less is counted if the child is a student.
• Costs of items and services needed for work are subtracted from earnings.
• A child 15 or older can set up a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) to save income for work goals, which won’t be counted in the SSI payment.
• Medicaid coverage can continue even if earnings are high enough to stop SSI payments as long as earnings are under a certain amount.

Programs to Help Young People Who Want to Work

• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
• Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)

Your local Social Security office can provide more information or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work/.