Social Security’s SSI program, or supplemental security income, provides payments to children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources. 

Jack Myers with Social Security points out there are a few thresholds that must be met to qualify. A child must have a medical condition or conditions, that results in marked and severe functional limitations. This means the condition or conditions must very seriously limit the child’s activities. Additionally, the child’s condition or conditions 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, you may consider some of the parent’s income as the child’s income. Social Security will make allowances for other non-SSI eligible children living in the home when they consider their parents’ income. There's also more to consider...

Learn more by finding the publication 'Benefits for Children With Disabilities' available at www.ssa.gov or at www.ssa.gov/ssikids.