Can My Disabled Child Get Benefits For His Disability From Social Security In Kingston, New York?

Yes.  Disabled children whose parents have little income or resources may be eligible for Social Security Income (“SSI”) benefits. Social Security Disability Income (“SSDI) program assists low income children who are disabled or blind.

Is your child eligible for Social Security Income children’s benefits? 

To be eligible for Social Security Income a child must be either blind or disabled.   A child may be eligible for Social Security Income disability benefits beginning as early as the date of birth; there is no minimum age requirement.  In New York, all Social Security Income recipients are eligible to receive Medicaid, which is health insurance to help pay medical expenses.

A child under 18 (or individuals age 18-22 who regularly attend school, college or training that is designed to prepare them for paying jobs) may be found disabled if he has a physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations and that can be expected to last for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

Social Security provides SSI disability benefits to certain infants born with a low birth weight whether or not they are premature.  A child weighing less than 1,200 grams (2 pounds, 10 ounces) at birth can qualify for SSI basedon low birth weight.  A child weighing between 1,200 and 2,000 grams (4 pounds, 6 ounces) at birth and considered small for his gestational age may also qualify.

Children living with a parent in the military overseas may receive SSI benefits.

What are the income requirements for Social Security Income Disability benefits? 

To determine if your child qualifies for SSI, you will have to meet certain income and resource requirements.  The “Deeming Eligibility Chart” for Children gives the highest amount of gross monthly income for this year (before taxes are withheld) that a parent can earn or receive adn still have a child qualify for SSI.  For one child with a single parent in the household, the maximum monthly income of the parent cannot exceed $3,158.  For one child with two parents in the household, the maximum monthly income of the parents cannot exceed $3,495.

How can you apply for Social Security Income Disability benefits for your child?

You cannot apply online for SSI children’s benefits.  To find out if your child qualifies for SSI children’s benefits, you should call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or visit your local Social Security Office.

What you can do if you have any questions?

If you have any questions or want more information, I welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can send me an e-mail at jfishser@mmolaw.net.  If you would like a FREE copy of my book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, please send me an e-mail with your name and address and I will rush the book to you.