Q: I get ssdi benefits for myself. I have a disabled 6 year old son in my home. Should I apply for ssi for him separately?
A: You can apply for SSI benefits if your household is financially eligible. You should also file for dependent (sometimes called auxiliary) benefits for him. Those benefits are available if your payment is high enough and are based on your receipt of SSDI. There is no requirement that a minor child be disabled to receive those payments.
Susan Michele Schaefer agrees with this answer
A:
Yes, you should apply for Child SSI for your disabled son who lives with you. Income and resource requirements must be met for your son to be eligible. Your child must also meet the definition of disability for Child SSI which is a child is he has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments); the impairment(s) results in marked and severe functional limitations; and the impairment(s) has lasted (or is expected to last) for at least one year or result in death. See, https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf.
I agree with Ms. Lunn that your son may also qualify for auxiliary benefits based on your SSDI record. For more information go to https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/family.html.
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