Many disabled children in the United States are eligible for monthly Social Security Income (SSI). This assistance is designed to help provide for basic clothing, shelter and food expenses for disabled children whose family has lower income. Everyone has the right to apply for SSI benefits and the application process is free. If you have a child with a physical or emotional disability, apply for children’s disability to see if you are eligible for assistance.

Children must meet the following requirements to obtain children’s disability payments:

1. Must be under 18 years of age
2. Must not earn more than $980 a month
3. Family Income must be in the low income to medium income range.
4. Must be labeled as having “marked and severe functional limitations” from a physical or mental condition
5. The child’s condition:
   1. Must have been occurring for at least 12 continuous months
   2. Be expected to last for at least 12 months
   3. Or must be predicted to result in deathhttp://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html#ssi-benefits

Applications for Children’s Disability SSI benefits are only done in person at you local Social Security office. If you are unable to leave your home, special accommodations may be provided for someone to come to your home and assist you with your SSI application.

For best results, schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also apply without an appointment, but you may have a long wait.http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-apply-ussi.htm

Be prepared to furnish the following documents at your appointment to apply for Children’s Disability:

1. Social Security Number
2. Proof of Age (Birth Certificate)
3. U.S. Citizenship proof or alien status record
4. Proof of income for child and household
5. Proof of Resources (bank statements, property records, etc.)
6. Proof of living arrangements
7. Medical reports and proof of disability
8. Work History (if appropriate for your child)
9. References for teachers or caregivers that can help document your child’s medical condition.http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-documents-ussi.htm

It usually takes 3 to 5 months for the Social Security Administration to review your child’s application for SSI benefits. However, the following conditions can qualify for immediate approval:

1. Total Blindness
2. Total Deafness
3. HIV
4. Down Syndrome
5. Cerebral Palsy
6. Muscular Dystrophy
7. Birth Weight under 2 pounds, 10 ounces
8. Severe mental retardationhttp://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html#ssi-benefits

Once you receive SSI disability benefits for your child, you may be required to have a review on a periodic basis to continue receiving benefits. http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html#ssi-benefits