1. Understand SSI for Children

To qualify for SSI benefits for a child, the following criteria must be met:

• Financial Requirements: The household must meet SSA’s income and resource limits, which vary based on the number of people in the household and total income. SSA considers parental income through a process called deeming, where part of parents’ income is counted toward the child’s eligibility.
• Medical Requirements: The child must have a physical or mental condition (or combination of conditions) that results in marked and severe functional limitations and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 continuous months or result in death.

2. Prepare Before Applying

Before starting your application, gather:

• Child’s birth certificate and Social Security number
• Proof of income and resources for parents and household members, such as pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns
• Detailed medical records, including doctor’s notes, test results, treatment summaries, therapy evaluations, and hospital records
• Educational records, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), psychological evaluations, and teacher reports
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, or therapists who have treated the child, including appointment dates

3. Initiating the SSI Application

Unlike adult SSI applications, you cannot apply online for SSI for a child. Here is the process:

a. Call SSA to Schedule an Appointment

Contact your local Social Security office or call the national SSA line at 1-800-772-1213 to:

• Schedule an in-person or telephone interview
• Start the Child Disability Report process with an SSA representative

b. Complete the Child Disability Report

The Child Disability Report (Form SSA-3820) gathers detailed information about:

• The child’s medical conditions
• Treatments, medications, and therapies
• Daily activities and limitations
• Educational history and special education services

You can start this report online at SSA.gov to prepare before your scheduled appointment.

4. The Disability Determination Process

Once your application is submitted:

• SSA sends your case to the Illinois Disability Determination Services (DDS) for evaluation.
• DDS requests medical and educational records and may contact teachers or therapists to assess functional limitations.
• They may schedule a Consultative Examination (CE) with an SSA-contracted doctor or psychologist if additional evidence is needed.

5. Evaluation Criteria for Children

SSA evaluates childhood disability claims based on:

• Whether the child’s condition meets or equals a listed impairment in SSA’s Childhood Listings (Blue Book Part B).
• If not, whether the child’s condition functionally equals a listing by causing marked limitations in two domains of functioning or extreme limitations in one. These domains include:
• Acquiring and using information
• Attending and completing tasks
• Interacting and relating with others
• Moving about and manipulating objects
• Caring for self
• Health and physical well-being

6. Application Decision Timeline

The decision process typically takes three to five months, depending on:

• The complexity of the child’s condition
• How quickly doctors and schools respond to DDS record requests
• Whether a consultative examination is required

7. Possible Outcomes

• Approval: If approved, you will receive a notice stating the payment amount and start date. Payments are typically retroactive to the application date.
• Denial: If denied, you can appeal the decision within 60 days by requesting reconsideration and providing additional supporting evidence.

8. Continuing Disability Reviews

Children receiving SSI benefits are subject to Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs):

• Every three years if improvement is expected
• At age 18, SSA conducts an adult disability review to determine if the individual qualifies for benefits under adult standards

9. Tips for a Successful SSI Child Application

• Provide comprehensive medical and educational documentation showing how the disability limits daily functioning.
• Keep consistent appointments with doctors and therapists to demonstrate ongoing treatment.
• Maintain copies of all submitted documents and SSA communications.
• Respond promptly to SSA requests for additional information or appointments.