Can I Get Disability Benefits for My Child?

How SSI works for children with disabilities and what parents need to know

Introduction: Is My Child Eligible for Disability Benefits?

If your child has a serious physical or developmental disability, you may be wondering:

👶 Can children receive SSI?

👨‍👩‍👧 Does my income affect their eligibility?

📄 What documents do I need to apply?

The short answer:

✔️ Yes, children with disabilities may qualify for SSI.

⚠️ Eligibility is based on both medical need and your household’s income and assets.

📌 If approved, you’ll receive monthly payments to help cover your child’s care.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

✅ How SSI works for children

✅ Medical and financial eligibility requirements

✅ How to apply and what documents you’ll need

✅ What happens when your child turns 18

✅ How Purple can help families track benefits and stay organized

1. What Is SSI for Children with Disabilities?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal benefit program that provides monthly payments to children under 18 with:

• A severe physical or mental condition

• That has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months

• And results in marked or severe functional limitations

💡 SSI is different from SSDI—it’s not based on your or your child’s work history.

2. Who Qualifies for SSI as a Child?

✅ Medical Requirements

Your child must have a condition that significantly limits their daily functioning. Common examples include:

• Autism

• Down syndrome

• Cerebral palsy

• Blindness or deafness

• Intellectual or developmental disabilities

• Serious heart or neurological disorders

📌 You’ll need to provide medical records, therapy notes, IEPs, and other documentation.

✅ Financial Requirements

SSA will consider your household income and resources to determine eligibility.

This includes:

• Your income and your spouse’s (if you live together)

• How many children you have

• Whether you receive child support, pensions, or other benefits

📉 If your income is too high, your child may not qualify—even if their disability is severe.

💡 2025 SSI Income & Resource Limits (for households):

• Resource limit: $2,000 for individuals / $3,000 for couples

• Income limits vary based on household size—but SSA uses a process called "deeming" to calculate how much of your income counts

3. How Much Can My Child Receive from SSI?

The maximum federal SSI benefit for 2025 is:

• $967/month for an eligible child living independently

• Some states add a small supplemental payment

💡 The actual monthly amount may be reduced based on your household income.

4. How to Apply for SSI for Your Child

You’ll need to complete two parts:

✅ 1. Child Disability Report (Online)

Submit via SSA’s websiteCovers medical history, school info, doctor visits, medications, etc.

✅ 2. SSI Application (By phone or in person)

After submitting the report, SSA will schedule a follow-up to complete the financial application.

📞 Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start the process.

📁 Be ready with:

• Proof of income and expenses

• Birth certificate and Social Security card

• Doctor records, therapy notes, school reports

5. What If SSA Denies My Child’s SSI Application?

📉 About 2 out of 3 initial applications are denied—but many are overturned on appeal.

✅ You can:

• Request a Reconsideration

• Attend a Disability Hearing

• Submit updated medical evidence or school records

💡 Appealing quickly and clearly increases your chance of success.

6. What Happens When My Child Turns 18?

SSA conducts an Age-18 Redetermination to see if your child now qualifies for adult SSI rules.

At 18:

• Your income no longer counts

• SSA evaluates your child’s ability to work, not parental finances

• Some children who were denied before may now qualify

💡 This is a major opportunity for many families to gain support.

7. How Purple Helps Families with Disability Benefits

💜 Track SSI deposits – See when your child’s benefits arrive

💜 Store school and medical records – Get organized for appeals or redeterminations

💜 Monitor income and balance – Stay under SSI’s resource limits

💜 Prepare for Age-18 transition – Keep history clean and complete

💜 Tag expenses – Document how funds are being used for disability-related needs

📌 Purple was built to support caregivers and recipients—especially when it comes to eligibility, compliance, and peace of mind.

8. FAQs About Disability Benefits for Children

⚠️ Does my income affect whether my child gets SSI?

Yes—SSA uses “deeming” to count part of your income and resources when determining eligibility.

⚠️ Can I apply if my child is homeschooled or not in school?

Yes—as long as you can provide documentation of the child’s disability and daily limitations.

⚠️ Will my child lose benefits when they turn 18?

Not necessarily—SSA will reevaluate under adult rules, which may work in your favor.

⚠️ Can I use my child’s SSI to pay for household expenses?

Yes, if those expenses are for the child’s benefit (e.g., rent, food, clothing, therapy).

9. Conclusion: Yes, Your Child May Qualify for Disability Benefits

✅ Children with disabilities may be eligible for monthly SSI payments

✅ SSA considers both medical need and household income

✅ You can apply online and by phone with the right documentation

✅ Purple helps families stay organized, compliant, and confident at every step

💜 Sign up for Purple to track SSI, manage documents, and support your child’s benefits.