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Social Security Disability Benefits for Children: What You Need to Know
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be especially challenging for families with children who have disabilities. Understanding the specific eligibility requirements, application process, and available resources is crucial to ensuring your child receives the support they need.
In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of Social Security Disability benefits for children, including who qualifies, the types of assistance available, and important tips for a successful application. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you advocate effectively for your child’s needs.
How are Disability Benefits for Children Different from Adults?
Disability benefits for children differ from those for adults in several key ways, primarily regarding eligibility criteria, assessment processes, and the types of support available.
For children, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability based on functional limitations rather than a strict medical diagnosis. This means that the SSA considers how a child’s condition affects their ability to perform age-appropriate activities, such as attending school or interacting with peers. In contrast, adult eligibility typically focuses on the impact of a disability on the ability to work.
Children's benefits are often determined based on the income and resources of the household, rather than the individual. For example, to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a child’s family income must fall below a certain threshold. In contrast, adult applicants are assessed based on their own income and work history.
Children may qualify for different types of benefits compared to adults. For instance, children under 18 can receive SSI based on disability, while adults may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on their work history. Additionally, children who qualify for benefits may also receive medical coverage through Medicaid, which can be vital for managing ongoing health care needs.
The evaluation process for children can involve additional steps, including assessments from teachers, doctors, and other professionals who can provide insights into the child’s functioning in various environments. The SSA emphasizes the importance of gathering information from multiple sources to fully understand how a disability impacts a child’s daily life.
Children’s disability benefits are often subject to periodic reviews to assess ongoing eligibility. Since children are still growing and developing, the SSA may reevaluate their situation to determine if they continue to meet the criteria as they age, whereas adult benefits may have different review timelines.
Understanding these differences is essential for parents and guardians seeking to secure disability benefits for their children. Being aware of the unique aspects of the application process can help families effectively advocate for the support their child needs.
Eligibility Criteria for SSI With Children
To qualify for SSI benefits, children must meet specific eligibility criteria established by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These criteria are designed to assess both the child's medical condition and the financial situation of the household. Here are the key factors that determine eligibility:
Age: The child must be under the age of 18 at the time of application. If a child turns 18 during the application process, they will be evaluated under adult criteria.
Disability Status: The child must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that severely limits their ability to perform age-appropriate activities. The SSA uses a strict definition of disability for children, focusing on how the impairment affects their daily functioning and development. This evaluation considers:
- Severity of the Condition: The impairment must significantly interfere with the child’s ability to perform basic functions such as learning, communicating, or interacting with others.
- Duration: The impairment must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
Financial Resources: SSI is a needs-based program, so the child’s household income and resources are crucial to determining eligibility. The SSA assesses:
- Income Limits: The total income of the child’s household must fall below specific thresholds set by the SSA. This includes money earned from jobs, as well as any unearned income like child support or gifts.
- Resource Limits: The family’s total countable resources must also meet the SSA’s guidelines. This includes savings, bank accounts, and property, but excludes certain assets such as the family home and one vehicle.
Residency and Citizenship: To qualify for SSI, the child must reside in the United States and be a citizen or a qualified non-citizen. This requirement ensures that benefits are allocated to those who are legally eligible.
Application Process: Parents or guardians must submit an application on behalf of the child, providing detailed medical documentation and information about the family’s financial situation. This documentation is critical in helping the SSA evaluate both the child’s disability and the household’s eligibility for SSI.
Types of Children's Disabilities That Qualify for SSI
The SSA has specific categories of disabilities that typically qualify for SSI benefits. Here are some of the key types of disabilities that may be eligible:
- Neurological disorders: Such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
- Mental disorders: Including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or severe anxiety.
- Developmental Disorders: Conditions such as Down Syndrome or other genetic disorders that lead to significant developmental delays.
- Sensory impairments: Such as blindness or significant hearing loss.
- Chronic illnesses: Including severe asthma or cystic fibrosis.
- Musculoskeletal issues: Conditions that limit mobility or physical abilities.
It’s important to note that not all disabilities will qualify for SSI benefits. Each case is evaluated individually based on the child’s specific limitations and to what degree their disabilities impact their day-to-day life.
The Disability Benefits Application Process for Children
Applying for SSI benefits for your child involves several steps and will require accessing the SSA’s website which can be found here.
Steps to Apply for SSI for Your Child:
- Gather Necessary Documentation: Collect medical records, school reports, and any other relevant documentation that supports your child’s disability claim.
- Complete the Application: You can apply online through the SSA website, or you can schedule an appointment at your local SSA office.
- Submit the Application: Once completed, submit the application along with the supporting documents.
- Follow Up: After submission, monitor the application status and respond promptly to any requests from the SSA for additional information, documentation or signatures.
- Contact legal help if denied: If the SSA denies your child’s disability benefits claim, contact a social security disability lawyer immediately. Parents only have 60 days to file an appeal and an experienced disability attorney can improve the chances your child gets approved for benefits.
Can You Appeal if You Are Denied?
Yes, if your child’s application for SSI benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be complex, so it may be beneficial to consult with a children's disability benefits attorney who has experience handling similar cases and can help strengthen your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children can qualify for SSI benefits up until they turn 18, or before they’re 22 so long as they are regularly attending school. Once they turn 18, their eligibility will be reassessed based on adult criteria.
Several types of disabilities can qualify children for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), primarily focusing on physical and mental impairments that significantly limit daily activities. Common qualifying conditions include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and severe intellectual disabilities. Additionally, children with serious emotional disturbances or chronic health issues, such as epilepsy or severe asthma, may also be eligible. The key factor is that the disability must be severe enough to affect the child's ability to function in everyday life and require long-term support or intervention. Learn more about the disabilities that qualify children for SSI benefits on the SSA website.
It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 months to receive an initial decision from the SSA for your child’s SSI benefits claim. If approved, parents typically begin receiving payments the following month. If denied, the appeals process can take additional months, depending on how long it takes to gather further evidence and the backlog at the SSA. It's important for families to stay informed and prepared for any additional steps needed after a denial.
When a child turns 18, their SSI benefits will transition to adult benefits. The SSA will then evaluate their benefits based on the disability rules for adults. The SSA refers to this process as age-18 redetermination.
If your child's disability claim was denied, don't lose hope. Many claims are denied initially, but you can appeal the decision. Gather additional medical documentation or evidence to strengthen your appeal, and consider consulting with a disability benefits attorney for guidance and support throughout the process. They can help you navigate the next steps effectively and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
No, COLA increases vary based on inflation and economic conditions each year. In 2023, the increase was a record high of 8.7% to account for unusually high inflation. However, in 2016 there was no COLA increase.
Yes, you can receive back pay for your child's disability benefits if the claim is approved. Back pay is the amount owed to you from the date of the initial application until the approval date. This payment can help cover the time your child was eligible for benefits but had not yet received them. It’s important to provide accurate information on your application to ensure the correct amount is calculated.
Benefits of SSI for Children
Receiving SSI benefits can significantly impact the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Benefits can provide financial support, access to necessary medical care, and resources for educational support, ensuring that your child has the opportunity to thrive. This assistance alleviates some of the economic burdens that families face, allowing them to focus more on their child's well-being and development.
Furthermore, the stability that SSI offers can open doors to additional resources and programs, enhancing overall quality of life. Ultimately, these benefits empower families to create a nurturing environment where their child can reach their full potential.
Experienced Disability Lawyers For Children
If your child’s SSI benefits case has been denied, Wettermark Keith is here to assist you with the appeals process. Our team has a strong track record of helping clients secure the benefits they need, whether for adults or the next generation of achievers. With our experienced child disability benefits attorneys, we will carefully evaluate your application and work to strengthen it for a successful appeal. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the path to securing the support your family deserves.
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