Can My Child Get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Children can get Social Security Disability benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Deborah, in Chula Vista, California, has a 16-year-old child with a severe disability and wants to know if her child can get benefits from Social Security Disability.

Yes, children can get Social Security Disability benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Child Social Security benefits are paid for through Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

For the child to be eligible for SSI benefits, he/she must be under the age of 18 and meet the Social Security’s definition of a disabled child. Also, his/her income and resources must fall within the eligibility limits.

When the Social Security Administration is reviewing your child’s application for SSI benefits, they will consider your child’s income and resources and also consider the income and resources of family members living in the child’s household.

If your child’s income and resources, or the income and resources of family members living in the child’s household, are more than the amount allowed, the child’s application for SSI benefits will be denied.

If you have already been denied SSI benefits for you child, or if you need some legal advice regarding disability benefits, schedule a free consultation with a disability attorney.