Social Security is highlighting its supplemental security income, or SSI, program for children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources.

Jack Myers with Social Security indicates in order to qualify a child must have a medical condition or conditions that results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” This means the condition must very seriously limit the child’s activities. He also says the child’s condition must be expected to last for at least a year or result in death. 

Income and assets will affect SSI eligibility so Social Security will want to talk with you about those things. According to Myers, if a child is under the age of 18 and lives at home, may consider some of the parent’s income as the child’s income. Social Security makes allowances for other non-SSI eligible children living in the home when they consider parents’ income. 

Myers directs anyone with further questions to check out the publication, 'Benefits for Children With Disabilities' which is available at www.ssa.gov or at www.ssa.gov/ssikids.