Social Security

People throughout the U.S. are living with disabling physical or mental conditions. According to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, one out of every five children has a debilitating mental illness. Raising a child with special needs can put unique stresses on a family. For families who do not have good income or significant resources, it may be a struggle to provide the necessary equipment, therapies and medical care the child needs.

In some situations, disabled children may be eligible for supplemental income benefits through the Social Security Administration. To qualify, the child must be under 18 years old and have a physical or mental illness that has resulted in severely and markedly limited function. The income of the child’s parents must meet the federally established requirements for benefit eligibility. Additionally, the child has to have been disabled by the condition or be likely to be disabled by the condition for a minimum of 12 months, or be expected to perish as a result of the condition within one year.

Applying for benefits