As readers of our blog may already be aware, it’s common knowledge that the Social Security Administration covers adults with disabilities and provides benefits to people who may be experiencing financial difficulties because of their disability.
But some parents in Illinois have asked a rather good question that we hope we can answer for them. The question revolves around children with disabilities and whether they can qualify for benefits from the Social Security Administration.
The answer is undoubtedly yes. There are currently two Social Security disability programs that provide benefits for disabled children. The first is Supplemental Security Income that benefits a child from birth to 18 years old.
Much like other government assistance programs, the child will have to meet certain requirements. First, it will have to be determined that the child’s impairment or combination of impairments meet the SSA definition of disability for children. Also, the income and resources of the parent and the child must be within the allowed limits to continue receiving benefits.
It’s important to point out though that children who are passed the age of 18 may also still qualify for benefits through the Social Security Disability program if their disability continues to affect them into their adult years and inhibits them from providing for themselves financially.
Remember, it’s not only just the obvious disabilities that are covered under SSI and other Social Security programs. Many rare disabilities and newly added impairments could qualify for coverage, and people may not even know it. Parents are encouraged to see if their child’s condition qualifies them for benefits and to speak with someone knowledgeable in the Social Security system in the event that their child’s request for benefits is denied.
Source: Newsok.com, “Can children get disability benefits?” Dec. 16, 2012
Tags: disabled children, Social Security Disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income
