What disability benefits are available for children

Children can receive disability benefits through two federal programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is a needs-based program that pays cash to children whose families have limited income and resources. SSDI is an insurance program that pays benefits to children whose parent or guardian is retired, disabled, or deceased and has earned enough Social Security credits through work.

The program your child may be able to use depends on your family's work history and financial situation. A child can receive benefits from only one program at a time, though the Social Security Administration will determine which one applies. Both programs require that the child have a medical condition that meets the Social Security definition of disability for children.

The monthly payment amount differs between the two programs. SSI payments are based on federal poverty limits and vary by state. SSDI payments are based on the parent's or guardian's earnings record and do not depend on family income. Your state may also add a small amount to SSI payments.

Key Takeaways

  • SSI is for children whose families have limited income and resources, while SSDI is for children whose parent has worked and earned Social Security credits.
  • A child's medical condition must meet Social Security's definition of disability for children, which is different from the definition used for adults.
  • You start the process by contacting your local Social Security office in person, by phone, or online through the Social Security website.
  • The Social Security Administration will ask for birth records, school records, medical records, and proof of income or work history before making a decision.
  • The decision process usually takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if more medical evidence is needed.

How Social Security defines disability for children

Social Security uses a different disability standard for children than it does for adults. A child is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental condition that causes marked and severe functional limitations and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The condition does not have to prevent all work or activity. Instead, Social Security looks at whether the child's condition significantly limits what they can do compared to other children their age. Examples include severe cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cystic fibrosis, juvenile diabetes, and severe mental health conditions like childhood schizophrenia.

Social Security also maintains a list called the Compassionate Allowances list, which includes conditions that almost always meet the disability standard. If your child's condition is on this list, the decision process may be faster. You can find this list on the Social Security website.

Documents you will need to gather

Before you contact Social Security, collect the documents that will support your child's case. You will need your child's birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Bring your own identification and proof of your relationship to the child.

Gather all medical records related to your child's condition, including hospital discharge summaries, doctor's notes, test results, and specialist evaluations. If your child receives special education services, bring copies of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. School records showing grades, attendance, and behavioral notes are also useful.

If you are explore for SSI, bring proof of your household income and resources, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and proof of any other benefits your family receives. If you are explore for SSDI based on a parent's work history, bring the parent's Social Security number and information about their work history.

How to start the process

Contact your local Social Security office to begin. You can find the office nearest you on the Social Security website by entering your zip code. You can visit in person, call the office directly, or start the process online through the Social Security website.

When you contact Social Security, tell them you want to file for benefits for your child. A representative will ask basic questions about your child's condition, your family situation, and your work history. They will schedule an appointment if you need to provide documents in person, or they may ask you to mail or upload documents.

You do not need a lawyer to start the process, though some families hire one later if their case is denied. Social Security will not charge you a fee unless your case goes to a hearing and a lawyer helps you win.

What happens after you file

After you submit your process, Social Security will send you a notice confirming they received it. They will then request medical records directly from your child's doctors and schools. This process usually takes four to eight weeks.

A Social Security examiner will review all the medical evidence and compare it to the disability standard for children. If they need more information, they may ask your child's doctor to complete a detailed questionnaire or may schedule a consultative exam with a doctor Social Security chooses.

Social Security will mail you a written decision letter. If they approve the case, the letter will explain the monthly payment amount and when payments will start. If they deny the case, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration within 60 days.

Timeline from filing to first payment

The decision process usually takes three to six months from the date you file. Some cases are decided faster if the medical evidence is clear and complete. Other cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or a consultative exam.

If your case is approved, your first payment usually arrives within one to two months after the approval letter. Payments are deposited directly into a bank account or sent by debit card. The payment amount is set based on the approval date, not the date you filed.

If your case is denied and you request reconsideration, the second review usually takes another two to four months. If that is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which typically takes four to six months to schedule.

What happens if your child's case is denied

If Social Security denies your child's case, you have the right to request reconsideration. You must request this within 60 days of the denial letter. Reconsideration means a different examiner will review your case from the beginning.

When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence that was not in the original file. This is your chance to provide more recent test results, specialist reports, or school records that show how your child's condition affects daily functioning. Many cases that are denied initially are approved on reconsideration when stronger evidence is submitted.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testimony about your child's condition. Many families hire a lawyer at this stage, and the lawyer's fee comes from any back pay you receive if you win.

Work incentives and continuing benefits as your child grows

If your child is approved for SSI, they can earn some income without losing all their benefits. In 2024, a child can earn up to a certain amount per month before SSI payments are reduced. The exact amount changes each year. Earnings above that amount reduce the SSI payment by 50 cents for every dollar earned.

When your child turns 18, Social Security will review their case using the adult disability standard instead of the child standard. This review is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). Some children who may have access to under the child standard do not meet the adult standard, so their benefits may stop. Social Security will notify you before the review happens.

If your child receives SSDI based on your work record, they can continue receiving benefits past age 18 if they are still disabled. They can also work and earn income without losing benefits, as long as their work does not show they are able to do substantial work. The rules about work and SSDI are complex, so contact Social Security if your child starts working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time?

No. A child can receive benefits from only one program. Social Security will determine which program your child is may have access to to based on your family's situation. If your child qualifies for both, Social Security will pay SSDI first, then SSI for any remaining need.

Does my child have to be in school to receive disability benefits?

No. School enrollment is not required to receive benefits. However, school records and an IEP or 504 plan are strong evidence of disability, so having them helps your case. If your child is homeschooled, bring documentation of the homeschool program and any evaluations.

What if my child's condition improves or gets worse?

You must report any significant change in your child's condition to Social Security. If your child's condition improves, benefits may be reduced or stopped. If your child's condition worsens, you can request a new review. Social Security also conducts periodic reviews on its own schedule to check whether your child still meets the disability standard.

Can I work and still receive SSI for my child?

Yes. SSI is based on your child's disability and your family's income and resources, not on whether you work. However, your income will affect the SSI payment amount. Social Security counts most of your earned income toward the family's total, which may reduce your child's payment.

What if I disagree with Social Security's decision about my child's disability?

You have the right to challenge any decision. You can request reconsideration within 60 days of the decision letter, then request a hearing before a judge if reconsideration is denied. You can also request an Appeals Council review and federal court review if needed. Each step has a 60-day important date to request it.