FAQs

Can my child get SSI?

Children who have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability and whose income (and parents’ income) meets Social Security’s income and asset restrictions may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

How do I know if my child is disabled?

Under Social Security’s rules, a child may be disabled if their condition meets or equals the requirements in the Listings of Impairments or if the child has marked limitations in two domains of functioning or extreme limitations in one domain of functioning. The six domains of functioning are (1) Acquiring and Using Information, (2) Attending and Completing Tasks, (3) Interacting and Relating with Others, (4) Moving about and Manipulating Objects, (5) Health and Physical Well-being, and (6) Caring for Oneself.

My child was getting SSI but is turning 18, now what?

Once your child turns 18 and completes high school, they will no longer be eligible for Social Security benefits as a child. Social Security will contact them to see if they would like to apply for benefits based on the adult standard of disability. The way disability is determined for children is different than the way it is determined for adults. With children, Social Security focuses on how they are functioning compared to their same age peers. With adults, the determination is focused on the question of the individual’s ability to work. Just because a child was found disabled under the child standard for disability does not mean that they will qualify under the adult rules.