SSI Disability for Children

If your child has a disability that greatly affects their ability to function, they may qualify to receive Social Security disability benefits.

SSI can help pay for food, shelter, and services for children with special needs.

SSI benefits are an important resource for parents and family members of disabled children, and having a lawyer's help can make them easier to obtain.

Social Security attributes some of parents’ income to children for the purpose of deciding SSI eligibility in a process called “deeming.”

Children who have developmental delays, which can include learning disabilities, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and other impairments that prevent a child from developing at a rate equal to ot

SSI disability benefits may be available for children who have severe limitations as a result of ADHD or ADD.

Children who have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome that severely affects their functioning at home or school may be able to get disability benefits through SSI.

Adults and children with autism who have serious difficulty with interpersonal communication may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits.

If your child has cerebral palsy that causes problems standing, walking, or using his or her hands effectively, and you have low income, your child should qualify for SSI.

If your child has frequent seizures despite medication, and you meet the low-income eligibility requirements, your child should qualify for SSI.

Premature babies, those born before 37 weeks, often suffer from low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs and other organs.

Spina bifida is a disease that affects children and can be very disabling. If your child has spina bifida, he or she may qualify for SSI disability benefits by applying through Social Security.

Many parents wonder whether their child who has been diagnosed with a learning disability will qualify for disability benefits through the SSI program.

Written by a former SSA medical consultant, Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is the essential book for learning about the disability process, and can be helpful whether you hire or lawyer or not.

Nolo's book covers Medicaid rules for seniors and persons with disabilities.