Children with disabilities are eligible for Supplemental Security Income, known as SSI. These payments are made monthly to those who qualify. Children under the age of 18 may qualify if they meet the definition of a disabled person and if their income falls within the eligibility limits.
SSI payments in Ohio are primarily based on need. For instance, if a child has access to a family with high income levels and many resources, he or she may not qualify for SSI. However, if a child’s family is of the middle class and requires assistance, then SSI payments may be available. If your child has to be cared for in a medical facility and has health insurance, monthly SSI payments are limited to $30 by the federal government.
There are a few rules about SSI that help explain what the child can and cannot do to get these benefits. For instance, a child may not earn more than $1,070 per month and still qualify for SSI. Essentially, the administration believes that if the child is able to earn that much, he or she is not too disabled to work. The child in question must also have a physical or mental condition that has been marked as severe. The condition must be ongoing, potentially even leading to death through degeneration. If this is true, then the administration will find the child disabled and payments will be made accordingly.
If you’re planning to apply for SSI for your child, it can be a complicated task. Meeting the requirements can result in additional income, while failing to do so can leave you needing to appeal the case. If you need assistance, you may want to speak with someone familiar with your state SSI laws.
Source: The United States Social Security Administration, “Benefits for Children With Disabilities” accessed Feb. 05, 2015