Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a government-run benefit program for low-income people and their children with qualifying disabilities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers it and other disability programs. The SSA allows parents to apply for SSI for a child—if they follow the SSA’s procedure and the child meets their disability criteria.
For help getting SSI benefits for your child, contact an experienced disability attorney from the Disability Advantage Group. Our lawyers have a strong track record of helping our clients win SSI benefits for themselves and their children. We offer free consultations to our clients. Call us today at 865-566-0800.
How Do I Apply for SSI for My Child?
For your child to receive SSI, you will have to fill out two forms and submit them to the SSA. The first is an application for SSI. You must contact the SSA either by phone or in person at a local office to set up an appointment to complete this application.
The other required form is a Child Disability Report. You can access this form on the SSA’s website and submit it online.
The SSA recommends the following three-step process for completing the application process. If you need help applying, our attorneys can assist you throughout this process to give your child a better chance of qualifying.
What Do I Need to Know Before I Start the Application Process?
The SSA’s website offers a child disability starter kit that provides you with the basic information you need to know before beginning the application process. The kit features three pieces of paperwork essential to the process.
The Factsheet
This document defines what the SSA considers a disability for a child under 18 years old, offers information about the SSI program, answers frequently asked questions about children and SSI benefits, and links to the online version of the Child Disability Report.
The Checklist
The application process includes an interview with an SSA claims representative. The starter kit provides a checklist of documents that you will need for your interview to be successful. It also tells you what you need to complete the Child Disability report online.
The Worksheet
This document prepares you for the interview by letting you know the types of questions the SSA claims examiner will ask about your child. It even gives you space to write down information and prepare your responses. When you complete the Child Disability Report online, you will need the same information and you can type it directly from your worksheet.
Our attorneys can review the Child Disability Starter Kit with you and your family before you apply, answering any questions you have about the process.
Do I Need to Speak With an SSA Representative?
The SSA advises that you contact and speak with a local representative before you begin filling out the paperwork. There are several reasons that this is a recommended step. One, the SSI program is strictly for the needy; thus, it has rigid income and asset limits. If you make too much money or your net worth is too high, the SSA can deny you on those grounds, even if your child’s disability is valid. Our attorneys can evaluate your family’s financial situation and let you know if the program’s limits will pose a challenge for you.
You can also begin the SSI application process on this phone call or in-person visit. The representative will then schedule an appointment with you to complete it.
How Do I File the Child Disability Report?
The purpose of the Child Disability Report is to provide the SSA with information about your child’s medical conditions, medical records, education, skills, and other data that helps them determine if your child is eligible for SSI.
This form is available to complete online, which carries several benefits. The online form provides step-by-step instructions—complete with examples—letting you know the exact information you should provide to have the best chance of approval.
If you get stuck at a certain point in the application or find you need to gather more information to continue, you can save your place and return to it later. You receive a re-entry number that you can use to access your Child Disability Report at a later time when you have the information you need.
Have More Questions About the Process? Call a Disability Attorney at the Disability Advantage Group.
If you need to know how to apply for SSI online or more information about the SSI application process for children, the attorneys at the Disability Advantage Group, are here to help. We specialize in winning disability benefits for our clients and can put our resources to work for you. Call our office today at 865-566-0800 to set up an appointment with one of our attorneys—for free.