For low-income families, ensuring that children have enough resources to fully meet their needs can prove a challenge. This is particularly true when a child has a mental or physical impairment that restricts their ability to live a full life. Here’s a closer look at how Social Security disability programs can help address your financial needs in these situations.

What Are the Benefits for Children With Disabilities?

A child with disabilities cannot qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance simply because they don’t have enough working hours in Social Security-paying jobs. However, they can receive benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at any age. In addition to examining data and documents related to the disability itself, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will also evaluate factors, such as household income and assets; limits on these areas can prevent high-income families from receiving benefits.

Which Disabilities Qualify?

SSI benefits are available for children who have severe conditions that keep them from functioning normally. Officially, the SSA defines these disabilities as resulting in “marked and severe functional limitations” that will last for a year or more. 

This allows for a fairly broad spectrum of conditions to fall under SSI benefits. Physical impairments, such as blindness or deafness, as well as mental disabilities like autism, generally result in a qualification. An especially severe learning disorder, or a combination of several disorders, might also qualify a child if documented evidence from teachers and medical professionals is provided. 

Navigating the complexities of Social Security disability isn’t always easy, which is why it’s essential to have a reliable attorney on your side. The experts at David W. Kapor & Associates in Cincinnati, OH, use their specialized experience in this branch of law to guide you through the process, so you can claim the benefits that are rightfully yours. To learn more about how they can help with Social Security claims, visit them online, or call (513) 721-2820 today to schedule a free consultation.