02 Jan How do I apply for SSI and SSDI benefits for a child?

Q. How does a parent apply for SSI or Social Security Disability for a disabled child?
— Parent

A. There’s a lot to understand here, including the differences in qualifying criteria for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

First, SSI.

Children younger than age 18 who have certain qualifying disabilities might be eligible for SSI payments if the child’s income and resources fall within the eligibility limits, said Deva Panambur, a certified financial planner with Sarsi, LLC in West New York. and adjunct professor of personal finance at Montclair State University.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will need to complete an application for SSI and a child disability report, Panambur said.

“The report collects information about the child’s disabling condition and how it affects his/her ability to function,” he said.

Only the child disability report can be completed online. You will have to call the SSA by phone or in person to schedule an appointment to complete the SSI application, he said.

You can find contact information here.

You should also check out the Child Disability Starter kit. The kit has answers to common questions about applying for SSI benefits for children and includes a worksheet that will help you gather the information you need, he said.

Then there’s SSDI.

Adults who became disabled in childhood prior to age 22 might be entitled to SSDI if they have certain qualifying disabilities and meet certain conditions.

“The SSA considers this SSDI benefit as a `child’s’ benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record,” Panambur said. “For a disabled adult to become entitled to this ‘child’ benefit, one of his or her parents must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits; or must have died and have worked enough to qualify for Social Security.”

You can apply for SSDI online here.

You should also check out the Adult Disability Checklist, which will help you gather the information you need to complete the application. To apply, you will need to complete the disability benefit application and complete the medical release form.

Alternately, you can call the toll-free number or visit the local SSA office.

Email your questions to .

This story was originally published on Jan. 2, 2020.

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