In our Bellmore office, we have sample papers, and informational packets on SSI and how to apply for a child with Lupus. We also have attorneys we can recommend for the NY area who handle SSI children’s disability cases. Help in Spanish is also available in this area. We can help you understand your rights and fill out the forms.

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) - For a disabled child to be eligible for SSI, that child must meet the disability standards of the Social Security Administration as well as be in financial need as defined by the SSI regulations. Income of the parents is in part imputed to the disabled child.

Disability for Children - A child may be eligible for disability benefits if they are under the age of 18 or older and have a disability that started before they reached age 22.

Your child under 18 can qualify for SSI of he/she meets the SSA definition of disability for children, and if his or her income and resources fall within eligibility limits.

The SSA will consider your child’s income and resources and also consider the income and resource of family members living in the child household. These rules apply if your child lives at home. They also apply if your child is away at school but returns home from time to time and is subject to your control.

Your child must meet all of the following requirements to be considered disabled and therefore eligible for SSI:

· The child must not be working and earning more than $830 a month in 2005. (this earnings amount changes every year) If he/she is working and earning that much money, SSA will find that your child is not disabled.
· The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, that result in marked and severe functional limitations. This means that the condition(s) must very seriously limit your child’s activities.
· The child’s condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months; or must be expected to result in death.

Once your child starts receiving SSI, the law requires that your child’s medical condition be reviewed from time to time to verify that he or she is still disabled. This review must be done at least every three years for children under age 18.

When your child turns 18 several things can happen. Although for disability purposes under SSI a child becomes an adult at 18, they can continue to receive SSI benefits if they are enrolled in school full time until the age of 21.

After the age of 15, Social Security also has a program for children on disability called PASS. This allows the disabled child to work, and have a certain part of their income not count towards their resources as long as it is being saved in an account for education and other things needed to be able to work.

Most children on SSI in NY State are also eligible for Medicaid automatically. Please consult with your Social Security case worker on this subject when you apply for SSI.

SSI Benefits for Children
Children with Disabilities like Lupus can be eligible for what is known as SSI Disability Benefits. SSI is based on the parents’ income, but if you do qualify it can be a helpful check every month to cover the costs of some of your child’s medical costs. Visit the Website below to get forms, information, phone numbers and more.
http://www.ssa.gov/d&s1.htm

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)
Children qualify if they meet Social Security's definition of disability for SSI children and if their parent’s income and assets fall within the eligibility limits. Contact your local Social Security Administration office or consult http://www.ssa.gov/disability/. You may also call J.C. at the office at 516-783-3370 for more information that can be sent to you.