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SSI Benefits for Disabled Children (Under Age 18)

When a disabled child (under the age of 18 years) is applying for SSI benefits the income and resources of his or her parents are considered. Social Security has many different rules in determining whether children can financially qualify for SSI benefits. Social Security will look at the family income and resources and calculate whether there are 1 or 2 persons in the household and calculate the number of children (disabled and non-disabled) in the family.

For example, a single parent with one disabled child who earns around $37,500 per year, should contact Social Security to see if the child qualifies for SSI. If the same single parent has 3 children (1 disabled and 2 non-disabled) and earns around $46,500 per year, then he or she should contact Social Security to see if the disabled child qualifies for SSI.

If both parents live in the same household and they have one disabled child and their combined income is approximately $46,500 per year, then they should contact Social Security to see if the child qualifies for SSI. If the same parents have 3 children (1 disabled and 2 non-disabled) and have a combined income around $55,500 per year, then they should contact Social Security to see if the disabled child qualifies for SSI.

Please remember that the above numbers are approximations and there is no downside to contacting Social Security and obtain further information as to whether your disabled child qualifies for SSI.