Disability Benefits For Minors
How children qualify for disability benefits
When a child is diagnosed with a serious physical or mental health condition, it can have a profound impact on the entire family. These conditions often affect the child's ability to grow, learn, or engage in everyday activities. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to assist families caring for children with qualifying disabilities, providing much-needed financial support during challenging times.
A Guide for Families Seeking Disability Benefits for Children
When a child has a serious medical condition, it can affect every part of daily life—including their ability to learn, grow, and interact with others. Fortunately, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides financial and medical support for families caring for children with disabilities.
At The Nunley Law Group, we’re here to help you understand the rules, qualifications, and next steps for applying for these important benefits.
Medical Criteria: How a Child Qualifies for SSI
To be eligible for SSI, a child must have a physical or mental condition—or a combination of both—that:
Causes “marked and severe functional limitations”
Is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
It’s not just about a diagnosis. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will look at how the condition affects the child’s ability to function in daily life.
SSA Looks at Six Key Areas of Functioning:
Learning and using information
Focusing and completing tasks
Social skills and relationships
Moving around and physical coordination
Self-care and independence
Overall health and physical well-being
To qualify, the child must have:
Serious limitations (“marked”) in at least two of these areas, or
Very serious limitation (“extreme”) in one area
Physical Conditions That May Qualify
Some of the physical conditions that may make a child eligible for SSI include:
Cerebral palsy
Muscular dystrophy
Spinal cord disorders
Severe asthma or cystic fibrosis
Congenital heart conditions
Blindness or significant vision loss
Hearing loss or deafness
Cancer or chronic illnesses like diabetes or kidney disease
Medical records should show how these conditions affect the child’s daily life—such as energy level, ability to move, and need for ongoing care.
Mental, Behavioral, and Developmental Conditions
Children with mental health, behavioral, or developmental issues may also qualify if their condition significantly interferes with their ability to function. Examples include:
Serious learning disorders (like severe dyslexia)
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or OCD
Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
SSA will consider school records, therapy notes, and psychological evaluations to determine how the condition affects learning, behavior, and social development.
Financial Requirements in 2025
SSI is based on financial need. To qualify, your family must meet income and asset limits.
Income & Asset Limits:
Countable resources must be under $2,000 for a single child
Under $3,000 for a child living with two parents
A portion of the parents' income and assets is considered (this is called “deeming”)
If your family’s income is too high, your child may not qualify—even if their medical condition meets the criteria.
2025 Benefit Amount:
Maximum monthly SSI payment for a child: $943
Some states offer additional payments
Healthcare Coverage for SSI Recipients
Children who are approved for SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid—a public health insurance program that covers:
Doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions
Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
Mental health services and behavioral therapy
Medical equipment and assistive devices
In most states, Medicaid also includes Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) services, which help children get the right care at the right time.
Can a Child Qualify Without a Formal Diagnosis?
Yes. While a diagnosis helps, it’s not required. SSA will accept medical, school, or therapy records that show the child has a serious condition that limits their ability to function. Input from doctors, specialists, therapists, and teachers can all help prove the child’s eligibility.
How The Nunley Law Group Supports Families
We understand how challenging it can be to raise a child with special needs—especially while trying to navigate complicated government programs. That’s why we offer comprehensive legal support to help families:
Determine if their child meets SSI medical and financial requirements
Collect and organize medical and school documentation
Submit a complete and accurate application
Handle appeals and represent you at hearings, if necessary
Our goal is to make the process easier for you and to fight for the support your child deserves.
Start with a Free Consultation
If you believe your child may qualify for SSI, don’t delay. The sooner you start, the sooner your family could receive vital financial and medical assistance.
📞 Contact The Nunley Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Let our trusted team guide you every step of the way.