The Social Security Administration is a government-funded program that many associate only with retirement. However, Social Security provides monthly benefits to retired workers and workers with disabilities, their dependents, and their survivors.

In the event an individual becomes disabled before retirement, in that case, those taxes that were paid through any employment are part of the eligibility requirements to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is long-term disability payments. 

However, questions might arise: What if you don’t have a significant enough work history? Or, what if you have a disabled child? 

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income is a $60 billion dollar federal benefits program. Congress created SSI in 1972 to replace the patchwork system of federal grants to states for aid to the aged, blind, or disabled. SSI serves not only adults who are both disabled and in low-income households but children as well.

Qualifying for SSI as a Child

For a child to qualify for SSI, the child must be:

• Under age 18 and have physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limit their daily activities for 12 months or more or may be expected to result in death and;

• Live in a household with limited income (benefits based on need) or resources 

Parents must begin the application process either online, over the phone, or visit their local Social Security office. A Social Security representative will follow up by scheduling an appointment to assist with the application for SSI benefits.

The Troubling Enrollment Drop

In a recent podcast done by NPR, the concerning drop in children’s enrollment in SSI is discussed. Multiple reasons are noted for the decrease, including:

• Decreased birth rate;

• Lack of awareness of the SSI program;

• Increase in continuing disability reviews that end benefits;

• Lack of resources within SSA for support.

Continuing Disability Review

The process to remove people from SSI in the form of continuing disability reviews is well-funded. Continuing disability reviews (CDR) are a massive concern for anyone with Social Security benefits. For a child, the law allows SSA to initiate a CDR at least once every 3 years if they expect the child’s medical condition may improve. It’s important to note that the Commissioner of Social Security can waive the requirement to complete a CDR. These reviews were less common in the past. In 2015, administrative funding was given that allowed CDRs to happen regularly. 

CDRs involve sending paperwork and verifying that a child is still disabled. At the same time, SSA may ask the representative payee – usually the parent – to provide evidence that the child is, and has been, continuing treatment that is medically necessary and appropriate for their medical condition. SSA often does not develop the medical record appropriately due to lacking resources. It is easy for parents to submit the wrong paperwork or miss the deadline. Therefore, a decision is reached that your child is no longer disabled, and it could take months or years to rectify the situation. Suddenly, that line of support is gone. Making matters worse, finding legal help is limited due to many attorneys not handling CDR cases.

Social Security not only stops the child’s benefits, but an overpayment notice often follows. This notice is generally thousands of dollars due to delays. Unfortunately, the administration is ineffective in dealing with these types of errors. 

Lack of Awareness

Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of the country's most vulnerable children are missing out on SSI benefits. Because Social Security is generally thought of as a retirement program, many don’t know that children can obtain benefits. The need for a representative to assist with the application process often creates barriers. Also, the funding to help people enroll in the program has diminished.

Many don’t know their rights to appeal if a child is denied benefits at the initial level. The appeal process varies by state. SSA estimates that two-thirds of all disability applications get denied on the initial level. An attorney advocating for your case can improve your chances of success. 

Historically, those with limited resources are unable to procure the needed help in this process. It is indicated that among all civil legal problems encountered by low-income Americans, an estimated 92% do not get any or enough legal assistance. 

What are Possible Solutions?

The Social Security Administration indicates that it is working on several fronts to reach out to families. 

The dissolution of barriers is necessary in order to:

• Link families with applicable legal resources at the beginning of the application process; 

• Appoint advocates to visit hospitals and schools and include social services to advise individuals to become aware of this option;

• Lessen the number of CDRs performed and increase the resources within SSA so that families in distress who are confused or uninformed can reach a representative and

• Institute the entire application process online, deleting the need for a representative to apply. 

Organizations such as Mindset.care work with families and individuals in navigating access to the SSI application process. Contact us today with any questions concerning obtaining a child’s SSI benefits.