Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability for Children

To qualify for SSI benefits as a child, the child must meet the SSA’s definition of a disability. This means the child must have a severe medical condition that:

• Has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
• Prevents the child from performing basic age-appropriate activities, such as going to school, socializing with peers, or taking care of personal needs.

Children under 18 are evaluated differently than adults. The SSA looks at whether the child’s condition severely limits their ability to function in normal childhood activities, considering the child’s age and developmental stage.

Common Conditions Considered for Social Security Disability for Children

The following medical conditions are commonly considered for Social Security Disability for children:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social skills. Children with severe autism may be eligible for SSI if their condition prevents them from functioning at an age-appropriate level.
• The SSA considers factors such as the child’s ability to communicate, interact with others, and adapt to new situations.

Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle coordination. Depending on the severity, it may limit a child’s ability to walk, use their hands, or perform other basic activities.
• Children with cerebral palsy may qualify for SSI if the condition significantly impairs their ability to function.

Down Syndrome

• Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that leads to developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Children with Down syndrome may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe enough to prevent them from functioning normally in day-to-day activities.
• The SSA looks at the child’s IQ, ability to speak, and level of social interaction.

Severe Intellectual Disabilities

• Children with severe intellectual disabilities may qualify for SSI if their condition significantly limits their ability to learn and perform basic tasks.
• Intellectual disabilities are evaluated based on the child’s IQ score, ability to engage in age-appropriate activities, and academic performance.

Chronic Heart Conditions

• Children with severe heart conditions, such as congenital heart defects or conditions that require heart surgery, may be eligible for SSI if their condition impairs their ability to engage in normal activities.
• The SSA looks at factors such as the child’s ability to exercise, engage in physical activities, and how the heart condition limits their energy levels.

Muscular Dystrophy

• Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness. Depending on the severity of the disease, it may prevent a child from performing physical tasks such as walking, lifting, or playing.
• If the child’s muscle function is severely impaired, they may be eligible for SSI benefits.

Severe Respiratory Conditions

• Conditions such as cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, and other chronic respiratory diseases can qualify a child for SSI if they significantly affect the child’s ability to engage in normal activities.
• The SSA looks at how often the child needs medical treatments, hospitalizations, and how their breathing issues limit physical activity.

Severe Vision or Hearing Impairments

• Children with severe vision or hearing loss may qualify for SSI if their condition limits their ability to communicate or perform tasks independently.
• The SSA evaluates how the impairment affects the child’s ability to learn, communicate, and engage socially.

Epilepsy

• Children with severe epilepsy or other seizure disorders that are difficult to control may qualify for SSI benefits if the seizures prevent them from functioning normally at home, school, or in other settings.
• The SSA considers the frequency, severity, and impact of the seizures on the child’s daily life.

Severe Mental Health Conditions

• Children with severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, may qualify for SSI if the condition is disruptive enough to prevent the child from functioning normally.
• The SSA looks at how the condition affects the child’s ability to interact with others, attend school, and manage personal tasks.

How the SSA Evaluates Disability for Children

When the SSA evaluates a child’s eligibility for Social Security Disability, they use a special set of criteria known as the “Childhood Disability Evaluation”. This process evaluates:

• Functional Limitations: How the child’s condition impacts their ability to function in age-appropriate activities, such as attending school or playing with friends.
• Medical Evidence: The SSA reviews the child’s medical records, test results, and reports from doctors and specialists.
• Age and Development: The SSA takes into account the child’s age and developmental milestones to determine how the condition impacts normal childhood activities.
• Duration of the Condition: The condition must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.