If your child is under the age of 18, he or she may be entitled to Social Security benefits (SSI only) if they suffer from a medical condition. They may also suffer from a combination of conditions that meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children. The child’s disability must be so severe that they have functional limitations in six distinct areas:
- Acquiring information
- Attending to tasks
- Interacting with others
- Moving generally or manipulating objects
- Caring for themselves
- Health and well-being
A claimant who is a child has the burden of proving that he or she has severe (marked) limitations in two out of the six domains listed above. Assuming a child is in school, the Administration will look favorably on IEP’s and other documentation of difficulties with education as well.
If your child is disabled and you also struggle financially, you may apply for assistance under SSI. In the event that you are approved, your SSI payments will remain for as long as your child is disabled and has limited resources.
The SSA will have a parent or guardian fill out an Application for Supplemental Security Income. A Child Disability Report also needs to be filled out in order to receive SSI benefits.
