Social Security provides a fact sheet and starter kit if you are considering applying for a child (under age 18) to receive Social Security Income (SSI) benefits. This is different from SSDI (disability pay for working adults).
A few things to know before you get started:
Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children.
- The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his or her activities; and
- The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year or result in death.
A state agency makes the disability decision. They will ask for information from medical and school sources and other people who know about the child.
If the state agency needs more information, they will arrange an examination or test for the child, which we will pay for.
Social Security also consider the family’s household income, resources and other personal information.