SSI Laws for Parents That Have Children With a Disability

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program offered by SSA for disabled individuals who have low-income and have an insufficient work history to qualify for disability benefits. Children may qualify for SSI if their household income meets SSA standards. Contact SSA to determine what the income limit for your specific household's circumstances. You may apply for SSI online at ssa.gov or in person at your local SSA office.

Income Limit

• Income limit for a child's SSI is determined based on household income. This includes income received by the parents, whether the income is received from child support, employment, disability benefits or another source.

Resource Limit

• The resource limit for children who receive benefits is generally $2,000 and includes the resources of the household. These resources include funds in bank accounts, cash on hand, IRAs, stocks, bonds, vehicles other than one that is excluded, houses other than primary residency and other cash-value resources. These resources include the resources of the parent(s) in the home.

Representative Payee

• Children who are under the age of 18 typically must have a representative payee. A parent or other primary caregiver is typically the person who acts as a representative payee. A representative payee is responsible for ensuring that SSI funds are used to meet the basic needs of the child.

Medicaid

• Parents and other primary caregivers should consider applying for Medicaid on behalf of the child if the child receives SSI and has no other health coverage. In most states, if a child receives SSI, he automatically qualifys for Medicaid. Apply for Medicaid at your local Medicaid office.