Social Security helps those in need, but determining who is in need can be difficult, especially when the person in question is a child. Disabilities make it difficult for children to study or work, but the severity of these limitations depends on both your child’s condition and your income. The following guide will help you determine which benefits are available to your child and whether he or she qualifies:

Included Benefits

In addition to the main Supplemental Security Income payment, children from low-income households who have disabilities may also receive:

• State Supplements– The State of Georgia will give you a payment on top of the Federal stipend.
• Work Support– If your child is old enough and wants to work, Social Security will help him or her get and keep a job. Support is available through the Work Incentives and Planning Assistance and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security programs. Up to a certain point, your child’s earnings do not count against his or her eligibility for Social Security or Medicaid.
• Health Insurance– Although Supplemental Security Income is not a health program, Social Security agents will help you apply for Medicaid and SCHIP benefits for your child.

How to Qualify

In order to qualify for Social Security benefits, your child must meet the following criteria:

• He or she is younger than 18, or is younger than 22 and attends regular classes
• His or her disability lasts or has lasted for a year and/or will result in death
• He or she cannot work because of the disability

Additionally, your household must make less than a certain monthly income, depending on the number of people living there. To apply for disability benefits, you must meet with a Georgia state agent, who will determine whether your child meets these criteria.

Ensuring Approval

To ensure that your child’s application is approved, make sure to bring the following documentation:

• Your child’s birth certificate
• The names and contact information of all healthcare professionals and facilities that have treated your child within the last 12 months
• A list of your child’s medications
• All available medical records and assistance numbers
• Contact information for your child’s school administrators, schoolteachers, social service agents and other caregivers
• Records of your child’s employers and proof of income, if applicable
• Your child’s Individualized Education Program or Family Service Plan information, if applicable
• Proof of your household’s income and resources
• The names and Social Security numbers of everyone living in your house

Morgan & Morgan believes in equality of opportunity, and works to provide all children with the support they need to succeed. For more information on Social Security and other disability payments, contact us today.

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Morgan Lawyers