Some children are eligible for Social Security Insurance, or SSI. If he has already been approved, you will receive information at placement. If not, you will have to apply for benefits.

The definition of disabled varies for all different forms of insurance and for SSI. According to the Social Security Administration, a child must:

• The child has a physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments)
That causes marked and severe functional limitations;
And has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or
to result in death.
• The child is not working at a job and doing substantial work.

The definition of physical and mental impairment can vary greatly as well. Mackenzie’s worker attempted to apply for SSI for her because she was born blind in one eye and it caused her developmental delays because he balance was off. She constantly tilted her head to the right so that she could look at you with her “good eye.” She did not qualify for SSI because the blindness was only in one eye.

If you apply for SSI for your child, your worker will have to do it if it is before finalization, but you may apply after your child is legally adopted.

There is a variety of items you will need to have in order to apply for SSI. You will need:

• The child's medical records
• Copies of the child's prescriptions
• The child's Individualized Education Program – if applicable
• The child's Individualized Family Service Plan – if applicable

Not having this paper work together will only delay your application. You can find the application and the list of the paperwork you need online.

You will also need to fill out a Child Disability Report. You can do this online, in person, or by phone. You will also need to authorize the Social Security department to speak with your child’s doctor.

Once you have submitted all the paperwork, medical records, school records, and treatment records from other providers will be ordered, you may be asked for more information, a determination will be made if your child qualifies as disabled, and then you will receive an answer. This process can take from three to five months once it is determined that all the paperwork has been filled out properly.

If you have questions, you may want to call the Social Security office before hand to see if you should spend the time gathering all the information. You can reach the office at 1-800-772-1213.

If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

If you have a child who has extreme needs, it might be worth checking into. While you may not need the money right now, you may need it in the future or your child may need it into adulthood, especially if you expect that your child will need assistance in care.

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