About Disability Benefits for Children

It has been a common misconception for decades that there is no immediate disability program for disabled children. The Social Security Administration has two programs that provide benefits to children who are disabled. As with all disability benefits, payments made to a disabled child will vary based on a number of factors.

Programs

• The two disability programs available for disabled children are Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Income

• The Social Security Administration pays benefits to disabled children whose families have little income. Limits vary by state.

Payments

• Payments are made to the child monthly and continue as long as the child remains disabled. The payment is variable and depends on family income.

Time Frame

• A child is considered disabled if his condition is severe enough to clearly limit functionality. The condition must be expected to last at least 1 year or must be expected to result in death.

Reviews

• The child's condition will be reviewed by the Social Security Administration at least once every 3 years if the condition is likely to improve.

Adulthood

• The child will undergo a review by the Social Security Administration at age 18. If the condition is still considered disabling, the child will continue to receive adult SSDI benefits.