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Can I Get Disability Benefits for My Child?

  • Writer: Purple
    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.

 
 

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