Does my child qualify for SSI in Raleigh, NC?

If your child is suffering from a disability, it can be very difficult to meet all their emotional, physical and financial needs. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is available to children who have limited resources and are found disabled by the Social Security Administration. Your child must meet the financial and disability requirements in order to receive SSI in Raleigh, NC.

Financial Requirements:

A portion of parental income will be deemed to be a resource to a child. In order for your child to be eligible for SSI:

1. Your child must not be working and earning more than $1,470 a month (2023).
2. Your income as a parent must be below SSA’s guidelines. Look here for a chart.

Disability Requirements:

If your child is eligible financially, you will also have to show that they are disabled. If under 18, whether or not married or head of household, the child has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment or impairments (including emotional or learning problems) which result in marked and severe functional limitations; and

1. 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
2. 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. Look here.

The key is “marked and severe” limitations. Answering the questions below in the affirmative may mean that your child has these limitations:

1. Does your child have a difficult time in school?
2. Do they miss school frequently due to their illness?
3. Do they have to skip out on activities that other children can do because of their illness?
4. Are they in special education classes or have they failed some grades because of their illness?
5. Is your child in pain?

It will help your child's case to obtain an opinion from their doctor describing their condition. If you answered yes to one of more of the above questions, you should file a claim for SSI in Raleigh, NC for your child as soon as possible.

Resources:

• http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/156/~/benefits-for-disabled-children
• http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm
• http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_child_factsheet.htm#disability
• https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/if-my-doctor-says-my-child-is-disabled-will-they-get-child-ssi/
• https://www.disabilitylawfirmnc.com/how-do-i-apply-for-child-ssi-in-north-carolina/