Children’s Disability Benefits
By Chris Sharry on February 26th, 2012 in Disability, Disability Children, Social Security Disability
Can my child qualify for disability benefits? This is an often asked question and the answer is yes. Disabled children are entitled to disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Similar to adults applying for disability, your child’s case will be examined by the State agency that is assigned to evaluate the case and make a decision on disability. The process and standard for being examined, however, are a bit different for children. The process to determine disability for adults focuses on the severity of the claimant’s impairment and how the impairment affects the claimant’s ability to work. As the majority of those applying for children’s benefits do not work, the process must address separate factors. Children will be found disabled if two elements are satisfied:
- The child’s physical or mental condition or a combination of conditions results in marked and severe functional limitations. The condition(s) must severely limit your child’s activities, and;
- The condition(s) must have been disabling, or be expected to be disabling, for at least 12 continuous months.
Some of the areas examined to determine if there are marked and severe functional limitations are:
- Acquiring and using information
- Attending and completing tasks
- Interacting and relating with others
- Moving about and manipulating objects
- Caring for yourself
- Health and physical well-being
If the child’s condition(s) results in marked and severe functional limitations for at least 12 continuous months, Social Security will find the child disabled and award SSI benefits. In most States, children receiving SSI benefits will qualify for Medicaid coverage.
For a No Cost case evaluation, or if you have any questions regarding your child’s eligibility for disability benefits, feel free to contact our office at (508) 421-4610.
