Benefits for Children with Disabilities

Children who are disabled may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income up to age 18, and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits after age 18.

If your child suffers from a mental, physical or developmental disability, and the child’s household meets certain income and asset limits, the Social Security Administration could provide you with benefits.

The amount of the benefits a child may be able to receive will depend on state laws and other factors. For more information on what to expect when applying for benefits for children with disabilities, speak with a Social Security Disability attorney in your area. Receive a free, no-obligation consultation with a local lawyer by filling out the case review form below.

SSI Benefits for Children Under 18

Children of all ages up to 18 may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income if they have a medical condition or combination of conditions that leaves them with “marked and severe functional limitations.” A qualifying medical condition will have lasted, or be expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death.

A young adult may be employed and still receive SSI, but he or she must earn no more than $1,000 a month to be considered disabled (this amount is updated by the SSA periodically to reflect inflation and earning standards).

A child may become eligible for SSI benefits at birth, particularly for certain conditions such as low birth weight. The SSA will typically require a review by the child’s first birthday if receiving benefits before that age, and at least every three years before age 18 if the disability is due to a medical condition that could improve.

Upon his or her 18th birthday, a child receiving SSI benefits must be reassessed as disabled under the adult standards. In some cases, a young adult receiving SSI benefits as a child may continue receiving them up to age 21 if they are in school.

SSDI Benefits for Adults Disabled as Children

Adults who have been disabled since childhood may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits through a working parent or guardian’s Social Security account.

SSDI benefits are paid based on work credits, so recipients typically must have worked in the 10 years prior to applying for benefits to be eligible. For adults disabled since childhood, an exception is made that allows them to collect benefits through a parent’s work history.

The calculations for work credits can be complex, and requires a minimum quarterly income that may be updated every year. For more information on qualifying your adult child for SSDI benefits, you can consult a Social Security attorney.

Speak with a Social Security Attorney about Your Child’s Benefits Today

If your child is suffering from a temporary or permanent disability that is impacting his or her quality of life, you may be eligible to receive government benefits through the Social Security Administration.

If you need help filing a claim, appealing a denied claim, or determining if your child qualifies for SSDI or SSI, speak with a local attorney today. You can receive a free consultation with a Social Security lawyer near you.

Get a free evaluation of your Social Security Disability Insurance case by an Attorney