Can Disabled Children Qualify for Social Security Disability in Arizona?

Does your child have a disabling medical impairment? Many families are dealing with similar circumstances. According to the most recent data from the United States Census Bureau, there are more than three million children under the age of 18 living with a significant disability nationwide.

You may be wondering: Can children qualify for Social Security disability benefits? The answer is ‘yes’—but only when certain criteria are met. In this article, our Tucson Social Security disability attorney explains the most important things to know about child disability benefits in Arizona.

A Child Social Security Disability Claim is Filed Through Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

There are two different Social Security disability programs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is more well known. However, it is only available to those who have a sufficiently long work history based on their age. Children cannot qualify for SSDI.

However, a disabled child may be entitled to benefits through the alternative Social Security disability program. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a strictly needs based federal disability program. Some disabled kids can qualify for benefits through SSI.

How Does a Child Qualify for SSI Disability Benefits?

To qualify for child disability benefits through Supplemental Security Income, a child applicant must meet all of the relevant legal requirements. As explained by the Social Security Administration (SSA), an applicant for child SSI disability benefits must establish:

Medical Eligibility: To get approved for Social Security disability benefits through SSI, an applicant, including a child applicant, must have a severe and medically determinable physical or mental impairment. Comprehensive and accurate medical documentation is required.

Financial & Legal Eligibility: For disabled children who are unmarried and live at home, the SSA will consider parental income and parental financial resources. If the family’s income and/or financial resources are too high, then the child’s SSI claim can be denied on those grounds. SSI is a strictly needs-based disability program.

Note: A parent or guardian has the right to file for SSI disability benefits on behalf of a disabled child.

You Have the Right to Appeal a Child Disability Social Security Disability Denial

Unfortunately, not all financially vulnerable families in Arizona with disabled children have an easy time securing SSI benefits. The SSA sometimes denies valid child disability claims. You have the right to appeal a denial. If your child’s SSI disability was denied in Pima County, our Tucson Social Security disability appeals attorneys are standing by, ready to help.

Contact Our Tucson Social Security Disability Lawyer Today

At Snow, Carpio and Weekley, PLC, our Tucson Social Security disability attorneys have the skills and experience to handle the full range of child disability cases. If you have any questions about applying for child disability benefits through SSI, we can help. Give us a call now or connect with us online to set up your no cost, no obligation case review. From our offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, and Lake Havasu, we handle Social Security child disability claims throughout all of Arizona.