How to Get Disability for Children

The Social Security Administration administers the Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, program that provides monthly financial assistance to low-income people who are 65 or older or who are blind or disabled. Children who have disabilities, including visual impairments, and who meet income limits may qualify for SSI payments. SSI defines a child as under the age of 18 and not a head of household or married, or a student under age 22 who attends school regularly. Children may be eligible for disability as soon as the day of birth. Parents, guardians or caretakers may apply for SSI for a child.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet residency requirements for SSI eligibility, which include children living in the United States, the District of Columbia or the Northern Marina Island. Children who live with military parents in foreign countries and students who are living abroad temporarily to attend an educational program are also eligible.

• 2

  Confirm that the child has a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration, or SSA. Disability for a child is a medically recognized mental or physical impairment that severely limits the child's functions, is expected to result in death or has or will last for more than 12 months. A child with visual impairment may be eligible for SSI blindness benefits if the impairment meets SSA blindness definition.

• 3

  Call the Social Security Administration's toll-free number to make an appointment to complete your child's SSI application over the phone or in person. You may also walk in to a SSA office to complete the application.

• 4

  Complete the SSI application with SSA staff and provide the required forms to document eligibility. The application is not available online and most of the forms are completed by an SSA employee during your interview. You can request assistance with completion of all necessary forms and help locating required documents. SSA also schedules and pays for medical examinations and tests needed for the application process.

• 5

  Fill out the online Child Disability Report on the SSA website. You can register on the website and save the form to continue working on it. You may also call the toll-free number and ask for help in completing the form on the phone or in person. The form requires information about the child's disability, medical conditions and records, work history and education.

• 6

  Look for notification in writing from SSA about the decision and amount of SSI payment. You have the right to appeal the decision and to see all of your child's application files.