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Assistance for Children

Public Benefits

Assistance For Children

  • Yes, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for children with qualified disabilities if his or her income and resources fall within eligibility limits.

    In determining eligibility for children, SSA considers the income and resources of family members living in the household. A family's income and resources also apply if the child is away at school but returns home from time to time and is subject to parental control. If the child’s income and resources or the income and resources of the family members in the household, exceed the SSA limit, the application will be denied. Click on the following link for more information on SSI for children.

  • Minnesota has several programs to assist with medical costs for a child with a disability. For more information specifically dealing with disabled children, click on the following link to the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

  • For the purposes of obtaining benefits for Minnesota-administered programs, a child is certified disabled if he/she receives Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income based on disability. If the applicant does not receive these benefits, the county human services agency can ask the SMRT to assess the child’s disability.

  • The application process for children is similar to the process for adults, but with a different disability determination process. An overview is provided below; click on the following link for a more detailed description for applying for disability benefits for a child.

    To be considered disabled and eligible for SSI:
    - The child must not be working and earning more than $900 per month in 2007 (this limit is adjusted annually)
    - The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, that results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” In other words, the disability must seriously limit the child’s activities.
    - The child’s condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months; or must be expected to result in death.

    SSA evaluates your child’s disability for eligibility by:
    - Asking you for detailed information about your child’s medical condition and how it affects his or her ability to function on a daily basis
    - Requesting and evaluating information from the doctors, teachers, therapists and other therapists that have information about your child’s condition

    The following documents will be required:
    - Your child’s SSN
    - Your child’s birth certificate
    - Medical and school records
    - Information related to visits to doctors or hospitals
    - Copies of medical reports or information that you have in your possession

    If your child is under 18 and applying for SSI, you will need to provide records showing your income and resource, as well as those of your child.

    Be prepared to describe how your child’s disability affects his or her ability to function on a day to day basis

    Provide names of teachers, day care providers and family members who can provide information about how your child functions.

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