SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME FOR CHILDREN

Not only can adults be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but children are eligible as well. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a child as an individual who is neither married and neither considered head of household. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers a child to be less than eighteen (18) years old or an individual who is less than twenty-two (22) years old who is a student that attends school regularly.

Additional requirements for a child to be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI); the child must be either blind or disabled. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits can start as early as the child’s date of birth, meaning that there is no minimum age. A child can remain eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits until he/she reaches the age of eighteen (18). When a child turns eighteen (18) the Social Security Administration (SSA) then reviews and reevaluates the case based on the definition of disability for adults. If a child has a visual impairment, he/she is able to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits if the visual impairment meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of blindness.​

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has specific criteria for both children and adults that need to be met in order to be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), such as meeting countable income and asset limits. If you are unsure if you, your child, or your spouse meet the criteria, it would be best to visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Office to gather more details and information.