Social Security
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs that provide assistance to eligible children and adults with disabilities. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits. SSI pays benefits based on financial need. SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
The Center for Infants and Children with Special Needs at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center provides information to help families and health care providers identify sources of financial assistance.
Social Security Overview | Resources
Social Security has two programs that provide assistance for eligible children and adults with disabilities:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) child disability benefits are paid to children, under age 18, who are disabled, and have low family income and resources. SSI adult disability benefits assist people, over age 18, who are disabled, and have limited individual income and resources.
- Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is designed to help people with disabilities who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. An adult child with a disability, age 18 or older, may be eligible to receive monthly benefits if a parent is receiving Social Security. This benefit is paid based on the parent's earning record.
When you apply for either program, the Social Security Administration collects medical and other information from you and makes a decision about whether or not you meet Social Security's definition of disability. A child must have a physical and / or mental condition that seriously limits activities, and is expected to last for at least one year. Adult eligibility is based on the inability to work. You are considered disabled under Social Security rules if you cannot work because of your medical condition(s). Your disability must also last or be expected to last for at least one year.
Compassionate allowances are a way of providing benefits quickly to applicants whose medical conditions are so serious that they obviously meet disability standards. You can find a list of conditions that qualify for quick financial assistance.
The Social Security Administration has a great deal of information and many forms available on their web site:
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If your questions are not fully answered by our Special Needs Resource Directory and its links, please contact us via email.
Rev. 10/09
