Child Disability SSI

To qualify for SSI child disability benefits, a child must meet both medical and financial requirements established by the Social Security Administration.

What Are the Medical Requirements for Child SSI?

• The child must have a physical or mental impairment that causes marked and severe functional limitations
• The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• The impairment must significantly limit daily activities such as learning, communication, mobility, self-care, or social functioning

The SSA evaluates functional domains such as:

• Acquiring and using information
• Attending and completing tasks
• Interacting and relating with others
• Moving about and manipulating objects
• Caring for oneself
• Health and physical well-being

What Are the Financial Requirements for SSI?

SSI is a needs-based program. Eligibility depends on:

• Household income
• Parental resources
• Family size
• Asset limits

Income “deeming” rules apply, meaning part of a parent’s income may be counted toward the child’s eligibility.

If your child’s SSI application was denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process includes multiple stages, each with strict deadlines.

What Is Reconsideration?

Reconsideration is a complete review of the original claim by a new SSA reviewer. Additional medical records, therapist reports, school evaluations, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can be submitted at this stage.

What Happens at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing?

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is often where child disability claims are approved, especially with strong legal representation and properly organized evidence.

What If the ALJ Denies the Claim?

Additional appeal levels include:

• Appeals Council Review
• Federal Court Review

Throughout the SSI appeals process, our attorneys handle all documentation, communication with the SSA, and case preparation to maximize your child’s chances of approval.

How Do You Clarify the Denial?

We begin by reviewing the denial notice and identifying the exact reason the SSA rejected the claim. Whether it was insufficient medical documentation, financial eligibility concerns, or missing records, we pinpoint the issue immediately.

How Do You Build a Stronger Case?

We help families gather:

• Updated medical records
• Pediatric specialist reports
• Psychological evaluations
• School records and IEP documentation
• Therapist and treatment provider notes

We organize the evidence to clearly demonstrate how your child’s condition meets SSA standards for marked and severe functional limitations.

Do You Represent Families at Hearings?

Yes. Our Social Security disability attorneys represent families at ALJ hearings and advocate aggressively for approval of SSI child disability benefits and any back pay owed.

If your child’s SSI claim is approved on appeal, they may be entitled to back pay. Back pay covers months your child was eligible but did not receive benefits due to the initial denial.

The amount depends on:

• The date of the original application
• The established onset date of disability
• SSI payment rules and waiting periods

We ensure all back pay is properly calculated and included in the final award.

Wettermark Keith represents clients nationwide in a wide range of Social Security disability appeals, including:

• SSI Denials
• SSDI Denials
• SSI Reconsideration
• SSDI Reconsideration
• Child Disability SSI
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits
• Administrative Law Judge Hearings

While we do not file initial claims, we focus exclusively on appeals after a denial to give families the strongest possible legal representation.

What Happens During the Free Consultation?

We review your denial notice, assess the strength of your case, and explain your options clearly.

Who Files the Appeal?

Our team prepares all required forms, gathers updated documentation, and ensures strict SSA deadlines are met.

Will You Stay Involved Until the Case Is Resolved?

Yes. We manage communication with the Social Security Administration, represent you at hearings, and remain involved until your child’s case reaches a final resolution.

No. Wettermark Keith works on a contingency fee basis.

• No upfront attorney’s fees
• No legal fees unless we win
• Transparent explanation of potential out-of-pocket expenses

If benefits are awarded, our fee is paid from a portion of the past-due benefits. If your case is not successful, you owe no attorney fees.

Yes. Wettermark Keith represents clients in all 50 states. No matter where you live, our Social Security disability attorneys can assist your family with SSI child disability appeals.

We are proud to be recognized by the American Council on Rehabilitation and Disability (ACRD) as one of the Top 100 Disability Law Firms in the United States. Our firm remains committed to securing disability benefits for children and families nationwide.

If your child’s SSI claim has been denied, time is limited. Social Security appeals must be filed within strict deadlines.

Contact Wettermark Keith today for a free case review. Our experienced SSI child disability attorneys are ready to evaluate your denial and begin building a stronger appeal immediately.