Can I Get Disability Benefits for My Child?
- Purple
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
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.