Social Security Disability Insurance for Children

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI or SSD) is a program that provides assistance to people with disability. This program is managed by the Social Security Administration for the purpose of providing financial benefits to the disabled. Both disabled children and the children of disabled and retired workers can collect these benefits.

Standards set by the Social Security determine if the child is eligible for the SSI. Only children who have a physical or mental condition that severely limits his or her activities are allowed to apply for SSI. Additionally, the condition must have lasted—or be expected to last—at least one year, or result in death.

Here are the steps in applying for SSI:

1. Read the Child Disability Starter Kit for any or all questions regarding the program.
2. Fill out the Medical and School Worksheet as preparation for the interview.
3. Confirm with Social Security whether the resources of both the parents and the child are within the allowed limits.
4. Fill out the Child Disability Report online.
5. Sign a document granting the Social Security access to child’s medical information.

After reviewing the information provided, a state agency will determine whether a child’s disability claim is valid. This process could take somewhere between 3 to 5 months. Once a decision is reached, Social Security should send a letter regarding your application.