What You Should Know About Children’s SSI Benefits
If your child has a disability and your family has a limited income, you may qualify for government aid. These children’s Social Security Disability benefits help cover the cost of caring for your child and your family.
Unfortunately, many people don’t know about these benefits or aren’t sure how to receive them. And while they’re a valuable resource, the process to receive them can be difficult without a lawyer’s help.
At Schott Mauss & Associates, our goal is to help Iowa families secure the benefits they need most. Here’s our Iowa Social Security Disability lawyers’ guide to what you should know and how working with a lawyer can help.
Table of Contents
- Does My Child Qualify for SSI Benefits?
- How to Apply for Children’s Social Security Disability Benefits
- How Much Will I Receive in Children’s SSI Benefits?
- What Can Children’s SSI Benefits Be Used For?
- What Happens When a Child Turns 18?
- How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Child’s Disability Claim
- Work With Iowa’s Children’s Disability Experts
Does My Child Qualify for SSI Benefits?
More than 8,000 Iowa children currently receive disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Eligibility for this program is based on three factors:
- The child’s age
- The severity of their disability
- The financial need of their family
Here is a closer look at each.
The Child’s Age
Disability benefits are open to qualifying children who are under age 18. It’s important to note that the child does not have to be residing in the family’s home for the family to receive benefits. For instance, he or she might be staying on a campus at a school away from home.
The Severity of Their Disability
Like other federal disability benefits, there are criteria for whether your child’s condition qualifies. You must prove your child has a physical or mental disability that causes “marked and severe functional limitations.” This disability must either be terminal or expected to last for at least 12 months.
Certain conditions get expedited approval. If your child has HIV, total blindness, total deafness, cerebral palsy, or another severe condition, SSI benefits may be available even before your application is fully processed.
The Financial Need of the Family
Like the SSI program for adults, eligibility depends on financial need. Most children will not have jobs, so their eligibility will take into account a portion of their parents’ wages and other assets.
The process of determining how much of the parents’ assets qualify is called “deeming” and can be complex. It factors in the number of parents and/or guardians who live with the child, their total income, and what type of income it is. For example, “earned income” like wages from a job are treated differently than “unearned income” like Social Security benefits, unemployment, or disability.
These calculations are complex and should not be done solely on your own. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer who knows the system.
How to Apply for Children’s Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for children’s SSI benefits is similar to applying for adult Social Security Disability. The process involves submitting several documents, including:
- A formal application
- A Child Disability Report
- Medical records
- A birth certificate
- Record of the parents’ income and other assets
- Other documents as needed
The entire SSI benefits application process can take several months to complete. In some cases, an application will be denied, giving you the opportunity to appeal. In these cases, a lawyer can help you navigate the administrative hearing process. They will represent your child’s interests in the hearing and argue your case. This ensures your child has the best chance of getting the necessary benefits.
Once you are approved, you may also receive back pay for the period of time that you were awaiting approval for your benefits. This will come as a lump sum and will go into an account that is closely monitored by the SSA (more on this below).
The SSA will also periodically review your child’s case every few years to determine whether the disability still exists.
Schott Mauss & Associates recommends that you work with an attorney from the start. They can help you assess your child’s medical condition and prove how their disability affects their ability to function in daily life. They can also help you compile your paperwork and submit your initial application. This helps to reduce errors and increase your chances of approval.
How Much Will I Receive in Children’s SSI Payments?
The maximum monthly SSI payment for 2026 is $994. How much your family will receive depends on the amount of financial resources available in your household. The lower amount of income and resources your family has, the more benefits you may receive.
Iowa also offers State Supplementary Assistance (SSA) for qualifying children who need specialized living arrangements, such as in-home health related care or residential care facilities. If your family qualifies, this can add to the SSI benefit amount.
Qualifying for SSI will also automatically qualify your child for Medicaid coverage.
It’s important to note that if a child is admitted to a hospital or medical facility where Medicaid covers more than half the cost for a full calendar month, the federal SSI benefit is reduced to a maximum of $30 per month.
What Can Children’s SSI Benefits Be Used For?
SSI is a stable source of income that you may use, as needed, to provide care not only for your child who has a disability but also for the rest of your family. If your family qualifies for SSI benefits, these benefits may be used to pay a mortgage, buy groceries and clothing, or to meet any other financial needs you have in your household.
One exception is the back pay that you may receive for the time period between when you submitted your application and the date of your approval. Any past-due benefits will go into a special dedicated account, separate from the ongoing monthly benefits.
The rules for using this money are stricter, requiring it to be used for expenses related to the child’s medical treatment or schooling. These accounts are closely monitored by the SSA.
What Happens When a Child Turns 18?
Children’s SSI benefits are available until the child’s 18th birthday. Once this date passes, he or she will be re-evaluated by the SSA to determine whether they still qualify. Following that date, the SSA will no longer factor in the family’s income, only that of the person and, if they are married, their spouse. The SSA will also evaluate the person’s disability based on the criteria for an adult, rather than a child.
If approved, the person will either receive:
- Continued adult SSI benefits. If the young adult meets the adult medical standards and has limited individual income and assets, they can continue receiving monthly SSI payments as an adult.
- Disabled adult child (DAC) benefits through SSDI. Available to adults who suffered a disability before age 22 and who had a parent who is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or who died while they were eligible to receive them. For those who qualify, this is often higher than the SSI amount.
Important Note: Some children who were not eligible for SSI due to their parents’ income may become eligible once they turn 18. This may be a good time to re-apply for benefits.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Disability Claim
The application process for disability benefits can feel complex. It can also be easy to make mistakes that lead to overpayments and financial penalties. That’s why it’s essential to have a lawyer on your side.
A lawyer can advise you on the legalities of the disability benefits process and guide you through the application process correctly, ensuring that you do not make mistakes that could have long-term financial consequences. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex regulations regarding children’s disability benefits, expedite the application process, and even represent you during legal hearings.
A lawyer is an advocate who makes sure that your child is not ignored at any stage of the process. Their expertise and dedication can provide the necessary support to safeguard the rights and well-being of your child, promoting a safe and inclusive environment for their growth and development.
Get the Benefits Your Child Deserves. Contact Our Social Security Disability Attorneys Today
Navigating the disability benefits system can be overwhelming, but with the assistance of a lawyer, it doesn’t have to be. Contact the Schott Mauss & Associates team today to schedule a free consultation.
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