Collecting SSI Benefits for
a Disabled Child

   Disabled children can be eligible for a special type of Supplemental Security Income benefits.  Social Security has special rules for evaluating the medical basis for finding a child disabled.

   Child SSI benefits are only payable if the child meets the medical requirements for disability published by Social Security and if that child's household falls below an income threshold.  Often disabled children from families where one or both parents work will not qualify because the parents' income and resources will offset the child's eligibility for benefits.

   Over the past few years, Social Security has made it more difficult to qualify a child as "disabled."  A useful resource for completing the child SSI eligibility forms can be found at Child Social Security disability.