SSI for Children: Why and How

Thursday, April 7, 2011

This past week, we have received a larger-than-normal number of inquiries regarding Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children. The following information will explain why SSI benefits are paid to minors, and how to apply for them.

WHY DO MINORS RECEIVE SSI BENEFITS?

Children can receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from birth through age 18 if they have a qualifying disability that is expected to last at least a year or result in death. Just as with adult SSI benefits, SSI for children is intended to supplement a child’s income when income and resources are low enough to qualify.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, www.ssa.gov, a state agency makes the determination whether the child qualifies for benefits. Various states have differing standards of disability and qualifying income levels. For example, in California, the qualifying household income (Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA) of a single person in 2011 is $1000 per month.

Work Opportunities for Young People Who are Getting SSI
Many young people who get SSI disability benefits want to work. The following information may be helpful.

SSA does not count most of a child’s earnings when they figure the SSI payment. SSA counts even less of a child’s earnings if the child is a student.

SSA subtracts the cost of certain items and services that a child needs to work from his or her earnings in figuring the SSI payment.

If a child is age 15 or older, he or she can establish a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS). With a PASS, a child can set aside income for a work goal. SSA will not count this income when they figure the SSI payment.

A child’s Medicaid coverage can continue even if his or her earnings are high enough to stop SSI payment, as long as the earnings are under a certain amount.

Social Security has two programs that can assist young people who get SSI disability benefits and want to go to work:

* Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
* Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program.[/i]

Your local Social Security office can provide more information about these programs. You can also find more information on our Work website, www.socialsecurity.gov/work/.

HOW TO APPLY FOR CHILDREN’S SSI

The process for applying for SSI on behalf of a minor is the same as for an adult applying for SSI. Please refer to this link for more information: http://ssa.gov/pubs/11000.html#part2

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