SSA Disability Benefits: Eligibility of Children

SSA disability benefits are often perceived to be “for adults only” because one must have worked for a certain number of years before they become eligible for SSA disability benefits. What many people do not realize is that the SSA does provide disability benefits to children.

Of course, the guidelines that establish a child’s eligibility for disability benefits are just as strict. Be sure to review and understand these guidelines carefully before you help the parents of young patients apply for social security disability benefits for children:

1)     Low Income or Resources

Supplemental Security Income for children was designed to help low income families pay for the necessary treatment of the child. It would be wise to consult an SSA agent to determine what the eligibility limits for income and resources are.

2)    Age and Marital Status

Typically, only children under the age of 18 are allowed to apply for Supplemental Security Income, although provisions are made for regular students under the age of 22. Additionally, the child must be neither married nor be considered the head of a household.

3)    Blue Book Condition

A child’s medical condition must be found in the SSA’s Blue Book to be considered eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Additionally, the condition must last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or result in death.