- To qualify for SSI benefits, applicants must complete an initial disability assistance application with their local SSA field office. Parents or guardians of children with disabilities must submit this application on the child's behalf. The field office sends the disability application to the Disability Determination Services agency to issue an initial determination. The Disability Determination Services agency requires applicants to submit medical information substantiating their children's disability claims. The Disability Determination Services agency may also request any other additional information from applicants or third-party resources to help determine qualification. Qualified disability determination specialists perform disability evaluations using the supplied medical evidence.
- To determine the existence of a significant disability, the disability evaluator must review the claimant's medical evidence from licensed physicians, optometrists, podiatrists, psychologists or optometrists. To qualify for benefits, the child must have a permanent and total mental or physical impairment substantially affecting one or more daily life activities. Daily life activities include walking, talking and eating. Disability specialists must review the medical information against the Code of Federal Regulations list of qualified disabilities for SSI purposes.
- The SSA uses the definitions within the Code of Federal Regulations to determine whether an individual qualifies for SSI benefits. The Code of Federal Regulations, Section 404.1525, lists types of impairments that qualify applicants for disability benefits. The code contains information in Part A of Appendix 1, Section 404.1525, and lists the types of adult impairments considered significant for qualification purposes. The code lists childhood impairments in Part B using similar criterion used to establish the common types of adult disabilities in Part A.
- To receive benefits, disabled children must have a medically determinable mental or physical disability that will eventually lead to death or last for at least 12 months. The disability must cause severe functional restrictions or limitations to at least one major life activity. Part B of the Code of Federal Regulations lists common disabilities according to the National Centers for Health. Part B includes systemic disabilities, neurological disabilities and common growth disorders significantly affecting the medical conditions of children under 18. Part B also lists common types of physical and mental disorders affecting only children.
- Since disability laws can frequently change, you should not use this information as a substitute for legal advice. Seek advice through an attorney licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.