How to Apply for Disability for Your Child

Supplemental Security Income, or SSDI, is a monthly payment based on income for families with a disabled child. The monthly income helps provide the child with everyday needs, such as food and clothing. The monthly amount provided to your child varies by state, and is determined by the amount of income and resources your child has. Some disabilities covered under SSI are Down syndrome, ADHD, autism and blindness. The child must be under the age of 18. Once the child turns 18 Social Security uses different medical and nonmedical rules regarding your disability. This decision is based on your income as an adult and is not based on income or resources of family members.

Use a computer to print and fill out an application through the Social Security website. You may also pick up an application form at your local Social Security office.

Once you fill the form out, schedule a visit with your child's pediatrician. The pediatrician will examine your child to determine if they have a disability. Sometimes a psychiatrist is needed to determine disabilities that aren't physical but more of an emotional issue.

The pediatrician or psychiatrist will fill out a form or write a referral to be attached to your application for SSI.

Attach your physicians form to your SSI application and mail the form in to your local Social Security Office. A representative will call or mail an appointment for you within a month of mailing in the application.

Once an appointment is schedule, make sure you have copies of four check stubs, rent receipts, bank statements, and utility bill. SSI is based on income so you will need to show your case worker proof of income and resources.

Some children are denied the first time and some are denied up to three times. Don't let this discourage you, reapply and send the application back to the Social Security Office or appeal their decision. You can also seek advice from an SSI lawyer.

Some disabilities covered under SSI are:

Down syndrome
ADHD
Autism
Total blindness
Total deafness
HIV infection
Cerebral palsy
Birth weight below 2 pounds, 10 ounces
Severe mental retardation

For more information on children with disabilities you may contact Social Security at http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html. Here you will get any information regarding your child. You can apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. When your child starts receiving benefits you may be referred to places where you can get health care for your child. This process may take 3-6 months for a child to start collecting benefits, depending on your child's disability.