If you have children living in the United States, they may be eligible to receive up to $943 per month through the Social Security Administration (SSA). This financial assistance is provided by the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which is aimed at children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources.
Currently, around one million children benefit from this program each month, which is designed to help cover essential needs such as food, housing, clothing, and medications. The exact amount that a child can receive varies based on the household’s income and the family’s situation. It’s important to note that while the maximum payment for 2024 is $943 per month, this amount may be lower depending on certain factors, such as the parents’ or guardians’ income.
Who can receive Social Security payments?
The Social Security program outlines a set of criteria that must be met for children to qualify for this assistance. These requirements are divided into two main categories: non-medical and medical requirements. Below, we will explain in detail what you need to know to determine if your child may be eligible for this financial support.
Non-medical requirements for SSI
One of the first steps the Social Security Administration takes when determining if a child can receive SSI benefits is to evaluate the family’s income and resources. Specifically, they look at the earnings and assets of both the child and the parents, and if applicable, step-parents or guardians who live in the same household.
This process, referred to as “deeming,” involves considering the parents’ income and resources when deciding if the child qualifies for SSI payments. However, the income of other family members who are not parents or direct guardians is not taken into account.
What income and resources are considered?
The SSA reviews several factors to determine a child’s eligibility, including:
- Parental earnings or work-related income
- Other sources of income, such as pensions or received benefits
- Family assets, such as property or savings
If the family’s income and resources fall within the limits established by the SSA, the child will be able to proceed to the next step of the application process, which involves reviewing the medical requirements.
Medical requirements for a child to receive SSI
To qualify for SSI, a child must have a disability that meets specific medical criteria. According to the Social Security Administration, a child under the age of 18 must have a medical condition that results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” Furthermore, the condition must meet one of the following criteria:
- It is expected to last for at least 12 months, or
- It is a condition that could lead to death
What are “marked and severe functional limitations”?
The term “marked and severe functional limitations” refers to significant difficulties caused by the disability that impair the child’s ability to perform everyday activities. The SSA has a list of conditions that automatically meet this criterion, simplifying the process for the most obvious cases. This list includes serious illnesses such as certain types of cancer or severe genetic disorders, among other conditions.
Compassionate allowances: a faster path to assistance
In some cases, the SSA can quickly identify severe illnesses that clearly meet the criteria for receiving SSI. This expedited process is known as a compassionate allowance, allowing children with certain medical conditions to receive financial assistance more quickly.
This fast-track option is particularly important for families dealing with terminal or severe chronic illnesses, as it reduces the waiting time for children to start benefiting from the financial support they need.
How to apply for Social Security for minors
If you believe your child may qualify for SSI, the first step is to submit an application to the Social Security Administration. This process requires you to provide detailed information about your household’s income, available resources, and the child’s medical condition. The SSA will review all these aspects before making a decision.
In addition to medical documents supporting the child’s disability, you will need to submit the following paperwork:
- Proof of income for parents or guardians
- Documentation of family assets, such as bank statements
- Medical certificates outlining the child’s disability and its severity
The application process can take several weeks or even months, but once the application is approved, payments are made regularly. In some cases, payments may be retroactive to the date when the application was first submitted.