If you have a child under 18 with a disability, there is a chance that he or she could be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
The Social Security Administration will classify your child as disabled under the following conditions:
- The child has either a physical or mental condition that drastically limits their activities
- That condition has lasted or will last for at least one year
To receive SSI benefits, the child cannot be engaged in work paying $1,040 or more per month. When determining whether the child is eligible for SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration will also look at the income and assets of the parents, as well as any income or resources from step-parents when applicable (only if the child lives with that step-parent and an adoptive or biological parent).
The limit for assets in such a scenario is $2,000.
Common Medical Conditions that Lead to a child being considered Disabled
Under social security law, common medical conditions that could lead to a child being considered as disabled include
- asthma,
- HIV,
- sickle cell disease,
- autism,
- ADHD and
- cystic fibrosis.
After your child is approved for SSI benefits, the claim will still be subject to occasional review to ensure the child is still disabled and still financially eligible for benefits.
- Children younger than 18 with improving conditions are reviewed at least once every three years.
- When children turn 18 they will also be subject to review and will then be assessed under the same standards as adults filing for disability.
If you have questions about how SSI benefits work for children, speak with a dedicated Ohio Social Security lawyer at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co.