Youth in Transition

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Eligibility

• A child can be eligible as early as birth. There is no minimum age requirement
• Eligible for SSI benefits until the age of 18. At age 18 they evaluate impairments based on the definition of disability for students
• A child with a visual impairment may be eligible for SSI benefits based on blindness if the impairment meets the definition of blindness

Criteria

• If under 18, whether or not married or head of household, the child has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment or impairments which result in marked and severe functional limitations; and 
• The impairment(s) has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or be expected to result in death; or
• If the child is blind, he or she meets the same definition of “blind” as applies for adults. . Unlike the requirement for SSI disability benefits, there is no duration requirement for SSI blindness benefits

The Social Security Administration provides a disability starter kit to help you get ready for your disability interview or online application.  Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18.

For more information regarding Social Security benefits and the disability starter kits, please the resource links below.