Disability Questions about Minors and Benefits
SSI for Children
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program can also be used for children with disabilities and has slightly different requirements than that for adults. For SSI, a child is defined as one who is not married and is not the head of the household. They must also be under age eighteen or under age twenty-two and a student who is regularly attending school.
A child may be eligible for SSI benefits if they are either blind or disabled. A child is considered disabled if he or she has “a medically determined physical or mental impairment which results in severe functional limitations and can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can he expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months.” A child may be eligible for SSI benefits for a disability from birth. When the child becomes eighteen, they are then given benefits based on the definition of disability for adults.
This answer depends on different points. Are you disabled or were you receiving benefits due to a deceased guardian or other? If you are the one who is disabled you can continue to receive benefits if you still qualify. What is your educational status? If you are in school, you may qualify to receive the benefits a little longer. This can all get confusing and knowing confusion is just right around the corner is best reason to consult someone who can make this transition a little easier. Click here and it will take you to our free online case evaluation. This will assist you in saving time, money and headache.
If you are applying for SSDI or SSI for a child it is not the same form as it is for an adult. There is a disability form for children. The form is SSA-3820-BK. Make sure you have the most updated one. Forms can change and it will save you time and energy knowing you are completing the correct one. When applying for SSDI, SSI or any type of benefits you must make sure you are completing the correct form. It is important that you make sure that everything you put on the disability form for children is legible and most importantly correct. Providing the correct information will cut down on the response time. An alternative to completing forms is typing in the information. Whatever you do be sure to complete all sections making sure that you have the correct information. The more certain you are about the information you provide the smoother the process will be. The form is long and it will take time. Be sure to allow time for this process and get someone to assist you if you feel it will make for a more complete submission.
Can My Family Receive Social Security Benefits If I’m Disabled?
It is very possible. Social Security provides for family members of disabled individuals only in certain situations, which we have listed below:
- Your spouse can qualify if you are disabled and the following circumstances are in place:
- Your spouse is 62 years of age or older; or
- Your spouse, regardless of her age, is caring for child under age 16; or
- Your spouse, regardless of her age, is caring for a disabled child, regardless of the child’s age.
- Your child (including adopted children) can qualify if you are disabled and the following circumstances are in place:
- You child is unmarried and under age 18, or
- Your child is unmarried, under age 19, and attends high school full time.
- Your child is unmarried, 18 years old or older, and became disabled before age 22.