Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a Child
To receive federal SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability benefits, a child must be legally blind or physically disabled. The Social Security system considers a “child” to be a person younger than 18 or someone who is under age 22 and a full-time student. The parents of a child with a disability may apply for SSI benefits at any time once the child becomes disabled (even at birth) because there is no minimum age requirement for qualification. Once a child’s application has been approved, the child will qualify for Medicaid coverage of medical bills in addition to receiving a monthly benefit check.
In order to qualify for SSI, a child must have a significant impairment that severely limits their ability to function. The condition must be expected to last at least one year, and/or be expected to result in death. Some of the impairments that qualify for SSI disability are total deafness, total blindness, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, HIV infection, cerebral palsy, severe mental retardation and birth-weight below 2 lbs. 12 oz. If the child has one of these conditions, they can automatically begin receiving SSI disability payments.
The financial situation of the child is taken into consideration when applying for SSI benefits. A portion of the parents’ or stepparents’ income and assets is considered when determining if the child meets the financial requirements to receive benefits.
To apply for SSI disability benefits, a Child Disability Report must be filed, either online or at your local Social Security office. The report requires detailed information on the child’s medical history, diagnosis, school information and employment history, if any. The form must also describe in detail how the child’s ability to function is impaired by his or her condition. Details regarding hospitalizations, doctor’s visits, medications, test reports and any therapy the child has received must be provided, along with names, dates and pertinent contact information. You’ll also need to provide the child’s Social Security number and a copy of his or her birth certificate.
After filing your child’s application for SSI disability benefits, expect to wait three to five months before you’re informed of the outcome. However, your child may be able to receive benefits as soon as the application is filed if he or she has one of the conditions listed above.
The condition of a child who has been approved for SSI benefits will be reviewed every three years, provided the impairment is anticipated to improve. Low birth weight babies will be reviewed before they turn one year old, unless their condition isn’t anticipated to improve. Periodic or occasional reviews may be performed by Social Security to make sure the child’s medical condition is being treated appropriately. A child who has been approved to receive SSI benefits should also meet the requirements for his or her medical expenses to be paid by Medicaid.
A child’s denied SSI claim can be followed up with a Request for Reconsideration. If that request is submitted, the information sent in with the original Child Disability Report will be reviewed again, this time by a different Social Security officer. A second denial may be appealed before an administrative law judge. Appeal in federal District Court is the only step remaining after that.
If you’ve been denied for Social Security Disability Insurance, and you’re located in Texas, consider hiring a Texas Social Security disability lawyer. The good news is that Social Security disability lawyers only charge a fee if they win your case, so there’s no risk.