Does Your Child Qualify for SSI Benefits?
As a parent, you always strive to do what is best for your children and their overall wellbeing. If you have a child with a disability, they may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Applying for SSI benefits may be able to give your child financial support and security that allows you to better take care of their needs.
If you think that your child qualifies for SSI benefits, an experienced attorney may be able to help you with your case. John Dunlap has been working on SSI cases for over 15 years and has helped many families along the way. Call today for a free 30 minute session to discuss your case.
How does the SSI program work for kids?
Parents seeking help for their children through SSI disability benefits can apply for SSI beginning as soon as the child is born. If your child is born blind or with a disability, you may consider applying sooner rather than later since there is no age minimum for applying.
Children who are blind or disabiled may be eligible to receive SSI benefits until they are 18 years old. After 18, the SSA will reevaluate your child’s medical history and disability to see if they are able to receive social security benefits as an adult. This is also the case for children who are visually impaired or blind.
When you apply for SSI for your children, you may be required to bring specific documentation. This can include things like birth certificates, social security numbers for you and your child, medical history and records, proof of disability and more.
Consulting an attorney as soon as possible may help your child’s case. An experienced SSI lawyer may be able to help you file your paperwork and start the process for you so you don’t have to worry about doing it by yourself. The earlier that your attorney can help you with your SSI application and your child is eligible, the sooner you will start receiving benefits.
What are the requirements for SSI for kids?
If you are looking to apply for disability benefits for your child, there are some requirements that must be met. Under the Social Security Administration (SSA) guidelines, children are recognized as individuals who are not married and are not the head of the household.
This includes children who are under that age of 18 or children who are 18 and older with a disability that began before they turned 22 years old. Children who are also between the ages of 18 and 19 and are regularly attending school may also qualify for SSI benefits.
If your child is under the age of 18 and has a medically determined physical or mental impairment that has stopped their functionality continuously or for at least 12 months, or may result in death, they may be eligible for SSI. Additionally, if your child is blind or meets the SSA’s definition of blindness, they may also qualify for SSI benefits. They may be required to answer questions in an interview that will be outlined in the child’s disability report.
If you are unsure if your child qualifies for SSI benefits or not, an attorney may be able to help and fight for your child’s right to their social security benefits. Having an attorney on your side may move the process along faster and provide a higher likelihood for approval.
What is covered in SSI for children?
Like SSI for adults, the benefits that your child is able to receive are based off of income and assets. The same rule applies to your children. Since SSI is for those with disabilities or little to no income, your income is taken into consideration when dispersing benefit amounts. Although the amount of benefits children receive may vary state to state, they may receive a monthly payment to support their means of living.
The SSA may also take into consideration the income and resources of other family members as well when deciding your child’s benefits. Additionally, they may include the size of the household, other children living in the home, and other factors. If you are unsure what kind of benefits your child may qualify for, an attorney may be able to help. Having representation be able to help you get more financial benefits for your child than if you were to attempt it on your own.
Applying for SSI for My Family
If you are taking care of a child that is disabled or blind, you may also receive benefits in addition to your child’s SSI benefits. The SSA has provided a worksheet and checklist to make sure you know the requirements before you start receiving benefits.
It is also important to note that if you are taking care of a child with disabilities and are receiving SSI benefits, your benefits may stop at a different time than your childs’ benefits. Caretaker benefits typically end when the child turns 16 years old.
However, if you are still the primary caretaker for your child and have full responsibility for them after they are 16, your benefits may continue. If you lose your benefits and believe that you still qualify, an attorney may be able to help you.
John Dunlap is an experienced SSI attorney and has been helping parents and children with disabilities for over 15 years. Call today for a free 30 minute session to discuss your situation.