Supplemental Security Income For Children
Social Security offers monthly benefits for qualified people through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Is My Child Eligible for Supplemental Security Income?
Your child may be eligible for SSI if they:
- Are under 18, or under 22 and attending school regularly; and
- Are neither married nor head of a household.
Your child must also be either blind or disabled. To be considered blind for SSI, they must have:
- Vision less than 20/200 in their best eye; or
- Their best eye has a limited field of vision.
If your child¿s blindness is not considered severe enough, they may be eligible under a disability if the blindess limits their activities.
Can a Child Receive Supplemental Security Income if Their Parents Do Not Receive Benefits?
As long as a child is eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has to determine the amount of supplemental income to provide. If the child is under 18 and lives at home with his parents, the SSA will examine the family income and resources. Deductions to the child's benefit amount will be made based on the family income and resources:
- Income - Income may include parent's wages, Social Security benefits, pensions, energy discounts, and non-cash items such as food, clothing and shelter the family receives.
- Resources - Family resources include: real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds. Examples of things usually not included in ownership calculations include homes and land the family lives on, as well as cars.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
An attorney experienced with Social Security benefits and regulations can help you submit your child's SSI claim. If you are having a problem obtaining your child's supplemental income, a lawyer can help prepare and file an appeal.
Consult a Lawyer - Present Your Case Now!
Last Modified: 12-08-2011 04:19 PM PST
