What Is Child SSI?

Child SSI is a federal program that may provide monthly payments to a child who has a serious disability and lives in a household with limited income and resources.

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. The Social Security Administration manages the program. Child SSI is not based on the child's work history.

Who may qualify?

A child may qualify when the child is younger than 18, has a serious physical or mental condition, and meets SSI's financial rules. The condition must have lasted—or be expected to last—for at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death. It must very seriously limit the child's activities.

Social Security calls this marked and severe functional limitations. A diagnosis by itself does not guarantee approval.

What conditions may qualify?

Both physical and mental conditions may qualify. Examples include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual or learning disabilities, severe ADHD, serious mental health conditions, epilepsy, hearing or vision loss, sickle cell disease, and serious heart, lung, or kidney conditions.

The name of the condition is only part of the decision. Two children with the same diagnosis may have very different needs.

What does Social Security review?

Social Security compares the child with children of the same age who do not have disabilities. It reviews how well the child can:

• Learn and use information.
• Pay attention and finish tasks.
• Interact and relate with other people.
• Move and use objects.
• Care for personal needs.
• Maintain health and physical well-being.

Why are school records important?

School records can show how the child functions outside the home. Helpful evidence may include report cards, attendance records, IEPs, 504 Plans, testing, therapy records, behavior reports, and statements from teachers or classroom aides.

Good grades do not always mean the child has no serious limits. Explain any extra help, modified work, special education, structure, or support the child needs.

What medical information is needed?

List every doctor, hospital, clinic, psychologist, therapist, and other provider. Include contact information, treatment dates, tests, medicines, side effects, and expected progress.

Does family income count?

Yes. Child SSI is a needs-based program. Social Security may count some income and resources belonging to parents or stepparents who live with the child. Not everything is counted, so do not decide on your own that the family earns too much. Let Social Security review the household information.

What happens at age 18?

Social Security uses different rules for adults. When a child receiving SSI turns 18, Social Security normally reviews the case under the adult disability standard. Parents' income and resources generally stop counting, although the young adult's own income and resources may count.

This article provides general educational information. It is not legal advice, does not guarantee approval, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration. For official information, visit SSA.gov.