When you hear about disability benefits, you probably think about adults. But in some cases, children can receive disability benefits, too.
If your minor child who lives with you has a disability, and you have limited income and resources, your son or daughter may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits. SSI, run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is a federal needs-based program funded through general tax revenues.
To qualify for SSI, your child must meet the following requirements:
• Under age 18
• Not working and earning more than $1,000 a month in 2010. (This earnings amount changes every year.) If he or she is working and earning that much money, SSA will determine that your child is not disabled.
• Have a physical or mental condition (or a combination of conditions) which results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” This means that the disabling condition(s) must seriously limit your child’s activities.
• Have a disabling condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months in a row, or is expected to result in death.
Once your child reaches age 18, SSI disability benefits might still be payable as an adult.
In addition, an adult who was disabled before reaching age 22 might be eligible for Social Security benefits as a “disabled adult child.” For a disabled adult to become entitled to this “child” Social Security benefit, one of his or her parents:
• Must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits; or
• Must be deceased and have worked long enough to be covered under Social Security.
If you are ready to start an application for disability benefits for your child, the best way to begin is by checking out SSA’s Disability Starter Kit at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability.
You can apply for disability benefits for your child by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office. You should have his or her Social Security number and birth certificate available when you apply. We also will ask for your Social Security number.
You can learn more by reading Social Security’s online publication, Benefits for Children with Disabilities, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10026.html.
John Williams is Social Security public affairs specialist for east central Indiana. His column appears every other Monday on the Business page.
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John Williams: Disability benefits are for children too
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