How Does a Child Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Caring for a disabled child has high financial costs for families. Parents will do whatever they can for their disabled children. Social Security benefits can help. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides cash payments to help pay for a child with a disability’s basic needs. Children with disabled parents may also be eligible for family benefits.

The Social Security system is challenging to navigate. A lawyer can explain the eligibility rules and application process. For more information about how children qualify for disability benefits, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer.

When Is a Child Eligible for Disability Benefits?

A child can get disability benefits in a couple of different ways. Generally, a child can get Social Security benefits if they have a disability or a disabled parent. The Social Security Administration has two benefit programs for the disabled:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for disabled people who can’t work because of a qualifying medical condition.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for disabled children with limited income and savings.

What Are the Benefits for a Disabled Child?

Supplemental Security Income benefits can help families with disabled children financially. Your monthly SSI benefits depend on your state, your family’s household income, and how many children you have. The maximum SSI benefit in 2025 is $967 per month.

SSI payments are for people with low incomes and limited assets. There are maximum income limits for parents or families with disabled children. Income limits depend on your source of income and the number of parents and non-disabled children.

The maximum income for a single parent with one disabled child and no other children is:

• $3,897 per month in earned income
• $1,926 per month in unearned income

There’s also an asset limit to qualify for SSI disability benefits. Your disabled child can’t get SSI benefits if your family has too many resources. This includes bank accounts, investments, and vehicles. Asset limits are $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a couple.

Some parental assets aren’t counted towards the asset limit. Contact your local Social Security office for more information about asset limits.

What Child Disabilities Qualify for SSI?

Social Security’s definition of a disabled child requires a physical or medical condition that seriously limits the child’s abilities. The disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.

The SSA maintains a list of impairments that will generally qualify for disability benefits. The categories for listed disabilities include:

• Low birth weight and failure to thrive
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Special senses and speech
• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular system
• Digestive disorders
• Genitourinary disorders
• Hematological disorders
• Skin disorders
• Endocrine disorders
• Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
• Neurological disorders
• Mental disorders
• Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
• Immune system disorders

If your child’s medical condition isn’t included in the listed disorders, the SSA can still review the case to see if they qualify.

How Does Social Security Determine Who Qualifies for SSI for Children?

Even if your child’s doctor diagnoses a disability, the SSA decides if your child qualifies for the SSI program. The SSA uses a local Disability Determination Services (DDS). The state agency will review your child’s medical information. The SSA can arrange for a test or medical examination if they need more information.

The SSA provides a child disability starter kit to help you and your family members prepare for the disability interview. The kit includes a fact sheet, worksheet, and checklist. You can also fill out a Child Disability Report online as part of the application process.

Some children can lose disability benefits if the SSA no longer considers them disabled. If your child’s condition is expected to improve, the SSA can review it.

When Can a Child Get Benefits for a Disabled Parent?

Children generally get SSDI benefits on their own because they don’t have a work record. You have to have prior work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. But if you’re getting SSDI benefits for a disability, your children can still get SSDI benefits.

To qualify for SSDI family benefits, unmarried children can get a monthly benefit if they are:

• Age 17 or younger;
• Age 18 or 19 and in K-12 school full time; or
• Any age with a disability developed at 21 or younger

The SSDI benefit amount your child can get for having a disabled parent is up to 50% of the parent’s benefits. If a qualifying disabled parent dies, the child can get up to 75% of the parent’s benefits.

Can Children Get Disability Medical Benefits?

Many disabled children can qualify for state medical benefits. Low-income families can qualify for Medicaid. Disabled children can also qualify for the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Low-income families may qualify for other state programs, including social, developmental, and educational social services.

Dependents generally aren’t eligible for Medicare. Children have to individually qualify for Medicare. The only exception is for end-stage renal disease for children under the age of 20. They can get Medicare with a parent on Social Security if the child requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.

How Can a Social Security Lawyer Help My Child Get Benefits?

Getting Social Security disability benefits for a child can take a long time. The SSA can deny your claim because there isn’t enough information or there are problems with the application. If the SSA denies your claim, a Social Security disability lawyer can appeal your case. Your lawyer can make sure you have the information and evidence for your child to qualify for benefits. Contact a Social Security lawyer to help your child qualify for disability benefits.