Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program in the U.S. that gives money to older people, blind people, and people with disabilities who have little or no income. These benefits help them pay for things like food, clothes and a place to live.
While many people associate SSI benefits with adults, the truth is that children and young adults can also get SSI if they meet certain conditions. What should you know if you or a young loved one wonders about the support SSI can provide?
When does a minor qualify for SSI benefits?
When determining whether a person under the age of 18 can receive SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether a child is eligible based on disability or blindness. To qualify because of a medical condition, you need to have a physical or mental issue that seriously limits your abilities. This problem must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months, or it must be something that could lead to death. A variety of conditions could qualify, including blindness, cerebral palsy or down syndrome.
The SSA also looks at a child’s financial situation. They look at the parents’ income and what their family owns. However, part of parents’ income is exempt because they need to pay for their own living costs and those of any other kids.
What happens when a person receiving SSI turns 18?
When you turn 18, the rules for getting SSI change. At this point, the financial requirements for receiving SSI are based on a young person’s income and assets, not their parents’. They also look at disability differently, evaluating it based on whether it prevents them from earning a certain amount each month.
Young people, including kids and young adults, can receive supplemental security income if they meet the medical and financial requirements the SSA sets. Understanding these requirements is often the first step toward getting the financial support you need.
