Eligibility Requirements

• SSDI for Children: SSDI is based on a child’s parent’s work history. If a child has a disability, they may be eligible for SSDI if one of their parents is a Social Security beneficiary (retired, disabled, or deceased). In order for a child to qualify for SSDI, their parent must have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• The parent must be receiving SSDI or have passed away.
• The child must have a qualifying disability and meet the SSA’s definition of disability for children.
• The child must be unmarried and under the age of 18 (or under 19 if still in high school).

• SSI for Children: SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program that provides assistance to children based on their family’s income and resources. This program is not dependent on the parent’s work history or Social Security contributions, but rather on the family’s financial situation.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• The child must have a severe physical or mental impairment that results in functional limitations.
• The child’s family income and assets must fall below the SSI eligibility limits, which vary based on the number of people in the household.
• The child must be under 18 years old and have a condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.

Types of Benefits Provided

• SSDI for Children: SSDI provides monthly benefits to children based on their parent’s Social Security contributions. The amount of benefits a child can receive is determined by the amount of Social Security taxes their parent has paid over the years.
• The monthly benefit amount for a child receiving SSDI can vary depending on the parent's earnings record. The child may also be eligible for Medicare after a two-year waiting period once they start receiving SSDI benefits.

• SSI for Children: SSI provides monthly financial assistance based on the family’s income and assets. The amount of benefits a child can receive is set by the federal government but may also include state supplements depending on where you live (in California, for example, there may be additional benefits).
• SSI benefits for children are typically lower than SSDI benefits because they are based on income eligibility and not on a parent’s work history.
• SSI recipients are automatically eligible for Medicaid (in most states) to help cover medical costs, which can be a significant benefit.

Impact of Family Income and Assets

• SSDI for Children: SSDI is not affected by the family’s income or assets. As long as the child meets the disability requirements and the parent is a Social Security beneficiary, the child can receive SSDI benefits, regardless of the family’s financial situation.
• SSI for Children: SSI is a needs-based program, so the child’s eligibility depends heavily on the family’s income and resources. The SSA sets specific limits on the amount of income and assets a family can have for the child to qualify for SSI.
• For example, a family must meet specific income and asset thresholds for the child to qualify. If the household has significant savings, income, or assets, the child may not qualify for SSI benefits.

Medical Coverage

• SSDI for Children: Children who qualify for SSDI benefits are eligible for Medicare coverage, but only after a 24-month waiting period from the time they start receiving SSDI benefits.
• SSI for Children: Children who qualify for SSI benefits are automatically eligible for Medicaid coverage, which can help pay for medical services like doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and hospitalizations. Medicaid eligibility does not have the waiting period that Medicare does.

Work Requirements for Adults

• SSDI for Children: SSDI is designed for children who have a disability and are dependent on a parent’s work history. When the child reaches adulthood, SSDI eligibility may continue if they are still disabled and meet the SSA’s definition of disability. If the child is 18 or older, they may need to prove their disability and may transition from receiving benefits as a child dependent to receiving benefits as an adult.
• SSI for Children: SSI benefits continue until the child turns 18, at which point their eligibility will be reassessed. If the child still meets the SSA’s disability criteria, they may continue receiving SSI as an adult, but they will need to undergo a review of their disability to ensure they still qualify.

Application Process

• SSDI for Children: The application for SSDI for children is typically done on behalf of the child by a parent or guardian. The process involves providing proof of the parent’s work history, the child’s medical condition, and the impact of the disability on the child’s ability to function. The child’s eligibility depends on the parent’s record of Social Security contributions.
• SSI for Children: The application for SSI is also done on behalf of the child by a parent or guardian. In addition to providing medical evidence of the child’s disability, parents must also provide detailed information about their income and resources to demonstrate financial need.