Social Security Administration programs that aid children

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 went into effect 25 years ago. The ADA is an important tool that can help people with disabilities to get the accommodations they need to live life to the fullest.

Many people who think about Social Security Disability Insurance think about adult recipients. It might shock some people to know that each year, around 4.4 million children get monthly benefits because their parent or parents are retired, deceased or disabled. Disabled children can also receive benefits if they meet the requirements set forth by the Social Security Administration.

Children who are disabled might qualify for monthly payments through the Social Security Disability Insurance program or the Supplemental Security Income program. In both cases, the child must have a qualifying condition that is expected to last 12 months or result in death. Conditions that qualify for SSDI or SSI include those that produce mental or physical disabilities. For SSI, the child must live in a low-income household to qualify for benefits. For SSDI, the child must have a parent who is entitled to benefits.

Parents who think that a child will qualify for benefits need to apply for those benefits. It is important for parents to remember that many SSDI and SSI at first. Knowing how to handle an appeal is vital for any applicant, even those who are just embarking on the application process for the first time.