SSI benefits for children

Any child under age 18 who meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability for children and if their income and resources fall within the eligibility limits may qualify. The requirements for children can differ from adults. Since children do not have a work history, the funds for children with disabilities are paid through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children.
a. The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
b. The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.

If you want to win your child SSI case, your child’’s disability must fall within one of their categories. For child listings, there are 14 categories:

1. Growth impairment - covers children who don’t grow properly

2. Musculoskeletal - covers back, joint and limb problems

3. Special Senses and Speech - covers visual and hearing problems

4. Respiratory System - covers breathing problems

5. Cardiovascular system - covers heart problems and blood pressure problems

6. Digestive system - covers problems digesting food, liver disease and bowel disease

7. Genito-urinary system - covers kidney or liver disease

8. Hemic & lympatic system - covers anemias (including sickle cell), blood clotting diseases and leukemia

9. Endocrine system - includes thyroid, pituitary and other glandular diseases

10. Multiple body systems - includes Down’s Syndrome and other genetic diseases, miscellaneous problems that cause problems functioning

11. Neurological - includes epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain tumors, seizure disorders, other neurological conditions

12. Mental disorders - includes a range of mental health problems

13. Neoplastic disorders - covers cancer and tumors

14. Immune system disorders - covers lupus, HIV/AIDS, connective tissue disorders and other immune system problems

For each of these 14 body systems, SSI has decided what it takes to prove that your child is disabled. Usually, SSI requirements look to the results of medical tests. Sometimes, they look to activity limitations.

It is important to secure good physician's treatment records and school records. Generally, because children do not have a work record to consider, a school record can be very important in theses cases. Records documenting the child's difficulty in school, the need for special education classes, and being held back from the appropriate grade level can show the Social Security Administration the child has "marked and severe" impairments.

If you have questions regarding your child's qualification for Social Security benefits, contact a Detrtoit Social Security Disability Attorney at Allan W. Ben P.C. for a free consultation at (866) 540-0677 or at info@allanwbenpc.com