The rules for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are clearly related to an applicant’s ability to work. An adult applicant must prove they are unable to work at a substantial gainful level, but what about SSI for children?
Obviously the ability to work cannot be considered in determining the disability of child. To medically qualify for SSI a child must have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits his or her activities and the condition must last for a 12-month consecutive period.
Children do not have to be a specific age to qualify for SSI; children from birth to 18 may qualify for SSI, and those young adults age 18-22 who can no longer qualify for children’s SSI benefits, may qualify for benefits from a parent’s Social Security earnings. For more clarification visit: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_factsheet.htm#disability.
Once qualifying requirements are satisfied then income requirements must be met for a child to potentially be eligible for SSI. Social Security will consider all household income, the number of parents present in the household, and the number of non-disabled children in the household when determining SSI eligibility for a child. Below is a chart that specifies monthly household income limitations for child SSI eligibility. Those who are earning over the limitation will not have a child who is eligible for SSI.
Non-Disabled Children One Parent Income Two Parent Income
0 $2,917 $3,617
1 $3,267 $3,967
2 $3,617 $4,317
3 $3,967 $4,667
4 $4,317 $5,017
5 $4,667 $5,367
6 $5,017 $5,717
The above income limits do not apply when:
- The parent(s) receive(s) both earned income (for example, wages or net earnings from self-employment) and unearned income (for example, Social Security benefits, pensions, unemployment compensation, interest income, and State disability).
- The parent(s) receive(s) a public income maintenance payment such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or a needs–based pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The parent pays court-ordered support payments.
- The child has income of his or her own.
- Any ineligible child has income of his or her own, marries, or leaves the home.
- There is more than one disabled child applying for or receiving SSI benefits.
- Your State supplements the Federal benefit.
