The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides crucial financial assistance to those unable to work due to disability, as well as retirement pensions. For children with severe disabilities, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers additional support to help families cover necessary expenses.
Currently, the SSA serves over 71 million beneficiaries in the United States and abroad, with vulnerable minors being a primary focus of the program. Here, we’ll break down the requirements, eligibility, and recent updates to SSI benefits for children with disabilities.
Eligibility
SSI benefits are aimed at children with severe physical or intellectual conditions, including cancer, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, low birth weight, and total loss of vision or hearing. For a child to qualify, their disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or lead to death.
While SSI eligibility typically ends when a beneficiary turns 18, exceptions are made for those under 22 who are still attending primary or secondary school, allowing them to qualify as a “child” for SSI benefits.
Financial Eligibility
Since minors rely on their parents for care, the SSA evaluates parental income and assets when determining SSI eligibility for children. SSI is primarily geared towards low-income families; individual monthly income should not exceed $1,971, though this limit rises for couples and parents applying on behalf of their children.
The SSA imposes resource limits, meaning eligible individuals should have no more than $2,000 in assets, or $3,000 for couples. However, for children applying through their parents, the limits increase by $2,000 to ensure more families can qualify.
Exempted Assets
The SSA excludes certain assets when assessing eligibility, helping families maintain a basic quality of life. Exempted assets include:
- Primary residence and the land it’s on, if the family lives there.
- One vehicle per household for transportation.
- Personal belongings and household goods.
- Property that cannot be used or sold.
In addition to these exemptions, certain forms of government assistance do not count as income for SSI eligibility:
- State SSI supplement payments
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits
- Section 8 housing vouchers
- Rent rebates or property tax refunds
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Certain expenses related to blindness or disabilities
These exemptions and adjustments help families access necessary SSI support, while still being able to cover essential living expenses.
Changes
In an effort to broaden access to SSI benefits, the SSA has expanded its definition of a “Public Assistance Household.” This update now includes households receiving SNAP benefits, even if not all members of the household receive public assistance. This change will increase SSI payments for certain families and reduce the reporting burden on public assistance households.
Under this revised rule, if a child qualifies as part of a public assistance household, the SSA will assume they are not financially supported by other members. As a result, more households can qualify for SSI, potentially increasing the support that eligible families receive.
This expanded definition represents a positive change for many, particularly for families with limited income who rely on public assistance programs. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the SSA aims to help vulnerable families more effectively access the financial support they need.
Final Thoughts
SSI benefits provide essential financial relief for families caring for children with disabilities, but eligibility requires knowing income limits and resource exemptions. Thanks to recent updates from the SSA, more families are now eligible for SSI support, easing the strain for those who rely on public assistance programs. Families are encouraged to consult the SSA’s official resources or speak to a professional if they have questions about qualifying for SSI.
FAQs
What qualifies a child for SSI benefits?
A child must have a severe physical or intellectual disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Are parents’ assets considered for child SSI?
Yes, the SSA considers parents’ income and assets when determining SSI eligibility for minors.
Does SSI stop at age 18 for disabled children?
Generally, yes, but students under 22 still attending school may qualify as a “child” for SSI purposes.
What resources are exempt from SSI limits?
Exempt resources include one home, one vehicle, personal belongings, and items that can’t be sold.
How does the Public Assistance Household rule affect SSI?
It broadens eligibility for families receiving SNAP or with members not receiving public assistance.
