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Yes, at Kraft & Associates we are glad to provide our clients and friends with free information on a variety of subjects. If you want details about how to lower your automobile insurance rates, Texas Workers' Compensation law or Social Security Disability claims please call or write us and we will send you any of these brochures without charge or obligation.

Social Security Disability Benefits Available for Disabled Children

Most people are already aware that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has programs to provide assistance to disabled adults. However, did you know that in some circumstances Social Security benefits are available for disabled children as well? In fact, in 2003 nearly one million blind or disabled children received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

To be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits a child must be either blind or otherwise disabled. A child is considered disabled if he or she has physical or mental conditions that can be medically proven, and that result in marked and severe functional limitations. In addition, the conditions must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be expected to result in the death of the child.

To receive benefits, a disabled child must be in a low income family, with low financial resources. The Social Security Administration considers a portion of the parents’ income and/or resources as being available to the child (if the child is below age 18 and living at home with parents who do not receive SSI benefits) in a process the SSA refers to as “deeming."

"Deeming" is very complicated. However the Social Security Administration does its best to offer an explanation of the process on its Web site. For those potential claimants who have access to the Internet, we suggest that you view and print a Childhood Disability Starter Kit. After doing so you can complete a Child Disability Report Form online. Please note that by completing the Report Form you are not applying for childhood disability benefits, as the application process can not be completed online at this time. For a more detailed explanation of the application process, please click here.

We caution you that the chart showing maximum gross monthly income as it relates to the number of (ineligible) children in the household does not apply in several situations, such as when the parents receive both earned income (wages) and unearned income (Social Security benefits or unemployment compensation). In addition, the chart does not apply if a parent pays court-ordered child support, if the child has his or her own income, or if there is more than one disabled child in the same household who is applying for or receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits.

These are just a few of the exceptions that may apply, and the chart is simply a guideline! If you have any questions as to whether a disabled child may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits, you should contact the Social Security Administration or contact Kraft and Associates for an analysis of your child’s eligibility.

If your child is under the age of eighteen and was awarded SSI benefits for a condition that is expected to improve, the law requires the SSA to verify that the child is still disabled by conducting Continuing Disability Reviews at least once every three years. At the Continuing Disability Review, the SSA looks for evidence that your child has been receiving medically necessary treatment. Also, children who are eligible for SSI benefits must have their eligibility determined again at age eighteen. At that time, the SSA reevaluates any impairments based on the definition of disability for adults.

Caring for a disabled child is a major challenge, and many people need financial help to properly do so. We encourage people with disabled children to investigate whether their children may qualify for this much needed assistance. For more information, contact our firm or ask the Social Security Administration for the publication titled Benefits for Children With Disabilities, (Publication No. 05-10026). You can read the publication online by clicking here.