If you have a dependent child who resides in the United States, you may be eligible for nearly $1,000 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This program supports families with children with disabilities, helping cover basic needs such as food, housing, and medical care.
SSI program for children
The SSI program provides monthly payments to children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. In 2024, the maximum payment is set at $943 per month, though the exact amount will depend on various factors like the family’s income and living situation. Parents’ earnings and assets play a significant role in determining the SSI payment amount, a process called “deeming,” where the SSA counts a portion of parents’ income and resources when assessing the child’s eligibility. For example, only a portion of a parent’s income is considered in this calculation, and some forms of income, like food assistance or tax refunds, are excluded from the count. This ensures that children in need can still access benefits even if their parents earn a modest income.
Non-medical requirements for eligibility
The SSA first evaluates the child’s non-medical circumstances to qualify for SSI benefits. This involves determining whether the family’s income and resources fall within the allowable limits. Parents’ or stepparents’ earnings are considered if they live with the child. However, income from other household members is not counted. For 2024, the resource limit for a family is $3,000 for a couple and $2,000 for an individual child.
“We consider a child’s income and resources to determine if he or she is eligible for SSI. We also count the income and resources of the child’s parents (including a stepparent) if they live in the same household. Determining how much of a parent’s income and resources we count is called “deeming.” We do not consider the income and resources of other family members,” the SSA explains on its website.
Medical requirements for SSI eligibility
Once the non-medical requirements are met, the SSA then assesses whether the child has a qualifying medical condition. For a child to receive SSI, the disability must result in;
- “Marked and severe functional limitations” and
- Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA uses a list of conditions that automatically meet their criteria for a disability, known as “compassionate allowances.” This list includes certain severe illnesses that are fast-tracked for approval, ensuring that children with life-threatening or particularly severe conditions get SSI benefits more quickly.
How to apply for SSI for your child
There are two ways to apply for SSI for your child.
Method one;
Submit a request to apply for SSI; this process takes about 5-10 minutes.
Here is the basic information required:
- Name, date of birth, and Social Security number of the person interested in SSI.
- Mailing address, phone number, and email address (optional) for the person interested in SSI.
- Your name, phone number, and email address (optional) if you are helping someone else.
You are to submit one request for an appointment, per person. Submitting multiple requests may cause a processing delay.
After you submit the online request, a Social Security representative will schedule an appointment to complete your application. The SSI will send the appointment date and time by mail (and email, if provided) within 7-14 business days to the person interested in applying.
Method two;
Apply by phone
You can call the SSI’s office to make an appointment to apply at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
How to apply online
Applying for SSI requires 2 steps. You will need to complete the online Child Disability Report and, with the help of a Social Security representative, complete an Application for SSI.
Step 1
Fill out the online Child Disability Report.
The report usually takes about an hour to complete and collects information about the child’s disabled condition and how it affects their ability to function.
You will be asked to sign a form that gives the child’s doctor(s) permission to provide the SSI with information about their disability. This information is needed to decide on the child’s claim. In some cases, if the child is over age 12, he or she must sign his or her medical release.
TIP: Before completing the Child Disability Report, use the Child Disability Starter Kit to get answers to commonly asked questions about applying for SSI. The kit also includes a worksheet to help you gather the information you need.
Step 2
After you submit a report, you will be called within 3-5 business days. Together with the SSI representative, you will:
- Review the completed Child Disability Report.
- Discuss whether the income and resources of the household are within the allowed limits.
- Start the SSI application process.
