SSD for Children with Chronic Illnesses: What You Need to Know

Social Security Disability benefits are not only for adults. In some cases, children with long-term illnesses may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a need-based program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Understanding how this process works can be overwhelming, especially when you are already navigating a complicated medical journey. This guide will help you understand how the program applies to children and what steps you may need to take to apply.

Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits on Behalf of a Child

Only Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for minors. Children are not eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) unless they become disabled as adults and meet the work credit requirements. However, if a parent is disabled, retired, or deceased and receiving SSDI, a child may be eligible for dependent benefits—these are called auxiliary or survivor benefits.

For children with chronic medical conditions, SSI is the most direct form of government support. The application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. The child must be under 18 (or under 22 if regularly attending school), have a medically determinable condition, and live in a household that meets strict income and asset limits.

How the SSA Defines Disability for Children

The SSA uses a different standard for children than for adults. For minors, a disability is defined as a physical or mental condition—or a combination of conditions—that results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” These limitations must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.

Rather than focusing on a child’s ability to work (as they would with adults), the SSA evaluates how the child functions compared to other children of the same age. This evaluation looks at six functional domains:

Learning and using information
Attending and completing tasks
Interacting and relating with others
Moving about and manipulating objects
Caring for oneself
Health and physical well-being

If the child is found to have “marked” limitations in two of these areas or an “extreme” limitation in one, the SSA may approve the claim.

Examples of Chronic Illnesses That May Qualify

Not every chronic illness will qualify a child for SSI. However, if the condition is severe enough to interfere with daily life and development, it may meet the SSA’s criteria. Here are some examples of conditions that could qualify:

Cystic fibrosis with frequent hospitalizations or poor lung function
Type 1 diabetes with repeated hospital visits for complications despite treatment
Severe asthma requiring emergency care or leading to persistent physical limitations
Congenital heart defects that impair energy levels or cause growth delays
Autoimmune disorders like lupus that impact multiple organ systems
Chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or ongoing treatment
Cancer requiring extended treatment with long-term effects
Neurological disorders like epilepsy or muscular dystrophy
Mental health disorders such as severe anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder

The key factor is how the condition affects the child’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis, not just the diagnosis itself.

What to Expect During the Application Process

The application process for children’s SSI can be lengthy. You will need to gather detailed information about your child’s medical condition, treatments, school records, and your household’s financial situation. Here’s what to expect:

Initial interview: A Social Security representative will review your household income, assets, and the child’s medical condition to see if the case meets the basic requirements.
Medical documentation: You’ll need to provide records from your child’s healthcare providers. These can include test results, hospital discharge notes, prescriptions, and physician evaluations.
Functional assessments: In many cases, the SSA will request information from your child’s teachers or specialists to determine how their condition affects learning and social behavior.
Consultative exams: The SSA may require your child to attend an exam with an independent doctor, especially if there are gaps in the medical file.

This process can take several months, and denials are common in the first round. That’s why many families choose to work with an attorney early in the process to help avoid errors and ensure everything is submitted on time.

Household Income and Asset Limits for Children’s SSI

Because SSI is a needs-based program, your income and resources as a parent or guardian will be considered when determining whether your child qualifies. This process is called “deeming,” and it calculates a portion of your income as being available to the child—even if you have other expenses.

Generally, the SSA excludes some income for essentials like housing and food, but the remaining amount could reduce or eliminate your child’s SSI eligibility. If you earn above a certain limit or have too many countable assets, the claim could be denied even if the child is otherwise eligible.

It’s also worth noting that receiving child support or living in a two-parent household may affect the financial evaluation.

How Much Can a Child Receive in SSI Benefits

The monthly SSI benefit amount varies depending on household income, living arrangements, and state-level supplements. In Florida, the base federal benefit for 2025 is approximately $943 per month. However, most recipients receive less than the maximum due to the income deeming rules.

If approved, your child may also be eligible for Medicaid in Florida. Medicaid coverage can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and therapy.

What Happens When the Child Turns 18

At age 18, the SSA conducts an age-18 redetermination. At that point, your child will be evaluated under the adult definition of disability, which considers their ability to work rather than their ability to function compared to other children.

Some recipients will continue receiving benefits without interruption, while others may lose their SSI eligibility unless they meet the adult criteria. It’s important to prepare for this transition by maintaining up-to-date medical records and considering early discussions with a disability attorney if the condition is expected to remain disabling into adulthood.

How an Attorney Can Help You Navigate the Process

Applying for SSI on behalf of a child can be complicated. Many parents face denials because of paperwork errors, missing documentation, or confusion about the income rules. Working with a Social Security Disability attorney in Florida can help you avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of approval.

An attorney can assist with:

Evaluating whether your child’s condition meets SSA guidelines
Collecting supporting medical and school records
Filing the application and tracking deadlines
Responding to requests for additional information
Appealing a denial, if necessary

The process is often frustrating and time-consuming. Having someone who understands how to present a strong case can reduce your stress and help you focus on your child’s care.

Conclusion

Disability benefits can provide critical financial relief for families raising children with serious chronic illnesses. While the SSA has strict rules, children with conditions that significantly impact their lives may qualify for support through SSI. If you believe your child might be eligible, taking the time to understand the process—and seeking help when needed—can make a big difference.

For Florida parents facing these challenges, reaching out to an experienced disability claims attorney is a smart first step. You don’t have to navigate this system alone, especially when your child’s well-being is on the line.