Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Children under age 18 can get SSI if they meet Social Security’s definition of disability for children and there are limited income and resources in the household. Social Security defines a disability as:
- 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 review the information you give us. They will also ask for information from medical and school sources and other people familiar with the child’s condition(s).
If the state agency needs more information, they may arrange an examination or test for the child, which they will pay for.
At age 18 a young person may apply for SSI, but will be found eligible under the requirements for adult. The parents income and resources will no longer be counted, but the young persons income and resources will be.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program financed through general tax revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, who have limited income and resources, who meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate which is standardized in all States, but not everyone gets the same amount because it may be supplemented by the State or decreased by other countable income and resources.
Social Security Disability Insurance and Survivor’s Benefits
Children may qualify for Social Security payments through a parent’s disability or retirement benefits (SSDI) even after age 18. Social Security survivor’s benefits can be paid to, among others:
- A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or disabled and receives Social Security benefits.
- Unmarried children under 18 or under age 19 if they are attending elementary or secondary school full-time.
- Children at any age who are disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.