Parents who have a child with a disability may want to learn more about Supplemental Security Income , also called SSI.

SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to children and adults who have a significant physical or mental disability and little or no income and resources.

While SSI is sometimes confused with Social Security, they are different benefits. SSI is also a program many people think of as “disability.” But unlike Social Security Disability Insurance and Social Security payments, SSI does not depend on your work history or work credits.

SSI eligibility depends only on the severity of the disability and the financial needs of the recipient. No work history or paying into the system is required in order to receive benefits.

 

Learning more about Supplemental Security Income for children

While families in need are often connected to state and local sources of funding, SSI might be a resource they haven’t been made aware of.

SSI is not for every child with a disability. Severity is a major consideration. Some examples of disabilities that might make a child eligible include:

• Low birth weight (less than 2.6 pounds) that requires a child to spend time in a neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU)
• Down Syndrome
• Severe cases of autism that make it unlikely a child can participate in regular day-to-day activities
• Total blindness or deafness

Applications are evaluated for both the severity of the disability and the child’s limited access to income and resources.

When a parent completes the First Five SC screening tool, SSI may be suggested—but the parent will still need to contact the Social Security Administration to determine eligibility and apply.

 

What happens when a child is eligible

When a child is determined to qualify for SSI payments, those monthly payments belong to the child and follow the child. So if a child moves from a parent’s home to another caregiver, the payment will go to the child in their new home.

In South Carolina, a child who qualifies for SSI automatically qualifies for Medicaid, which can also help cover the cost of services they need.

In 2024, the maximum monthly payment for a child under 18 is $943, though children who qualify may receive less.

 

Applying for SSI

The application review process can feel complicated but for a parent or caregiver, the first step is simple: If you think a child in your care may qualify, contact the Social Security Administration. It’s enough to say, “I want to apply for disability.”

You can learn more about SSI here. You can find out:

• If a child might be eligible
• How much the monthly payment might be
• Other programs that can help while the child is receiving SSI, including Medicaid and SNAP

 

Appealing a decision

If you apply for disability and are turned down, you can appeal that decision.

Some people use an attorney to help them file an appeal. The Social Security Administration provides this guide to your rights to representation.