When people think of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, they often picture injured workers or adults struggling with long-term medical conditions. But children may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, too, through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Whether your child was born with a severe medical condition, developed a serious illness, or suffers from a life-changing injury, the law allows families in Chicago and across Illinois to pursue financial support.
If you’re raising a child with a disability, the bills don’t stop piling up. Medical care, therapy, and special accommodations can crush your budget fast. Don’t wait for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to hand you an answer. Get experienced legal firepower on your side.
Call Ankin Law today at (872) 529-9377. Our Chicago Social Security Disability lawyers know how to fight and win for families like yours.
How Is Eligibility Determined?
Children under the age of 18 may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they meet certain medical and financial requirements. The SSA recognizes that disabilities don’t only affect adults. Unlike SSDI, which is based on work history, SSI benefits for children focus on:
- The child’s medical condition
- How the disability limits daily activities
- The family’s household income and resources
At Ankin Law, we’ve seen firsthand how difficult these cases can be. The SSA denies most initial applications. That’s why families who go it alone often face long delays and endless paperwork. Our lawyers cut through the red tape and put pressure on the system to get results.
What Conditions Can Qualify a Child for SSD Benefits?
Not every diagnosis will automatically qualify a child for SSD benefits, but the SSA has a Listing of Impairments—commonly called the “Blue Book”—that lays out which conditions meet the standard. Examples include:
- Severe asthma or respiratory disorders
- Congenital heart defects
- Cancer and immune system disorders
- Intellectual disabilities or developmental delays
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy and other neurological impairments
- Vision impairments
Even if your child’s condition isn’t on the list, they may still qualify if the impairment seriously limits their ability to function compared to other children the same age.
Why Legal Help Matters for Chicago Families
Here’s the truth: the SSA rejects the majority of child disability claims. According to SSA data, only about 30% of initial SSI applications are approved nationwide, leaving thousands of families in limbo each year. That number hasn’t budged much over the past five years.
When your child’s future is on the line, you don’t want to gamble with those odds. Ankin Law brings decades of experience handling Social Security Disability claims in Chicago. We don’t just file paperwork, we build airtight cases, gather medical evidence, and fight appeals all the way to federal court if necessary.
How to Apply for SSD Benefits for Children
Filing for SSD benefits for a child in Illinois involves several steps:
- Application Filing – You’ll submit medical records, school reports, and detailed forms about your child’s daily limitations.
- Initial Review – The SSA reviews eligibility and medical criteria. Most claims get denied here.
- Reconsideration – If denied, you can request another review with additional evidence.
- Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge – This is where strong legal representation makes the difference.
- Further Appeals – If necessary, cases can be taken to the Appeals Council and federal court.
At every stage, our attorneys know what the SSA is looking for, and how to hold them accountable.
FAQs About Children Qualifying for Social Security Disability
Parents often have lots of questions when applying for SSI on behalf of a child. Here are answers to the most common ones.
Does My Child Need a Specific Diagnosis to Qualify?
Not necessarily. Any condition that seriously limits your child’s ability to function may qualify, even if it’s not in the SSA Blue Book.
How Long Does it Take to Get Benefits for My Child?
The process can take months, sometimes more than a year if appeals are needed. Having a lawyer speeds up the process and improves your odds of approval.
Can My Family Still Qualify if We Have Income?
Yes, but SSI benefits are income-based. The SSA has a specific formula they use to determine how much parental income can be counted for the eligibility assessment, also known as “deeming.” Income is deemed in two categories, whether it is earned or unearned income. The exact allowance is dependent on the family’s situation. The SSA will review your household income and resources to determine eligibility.
How Long Do I Get Benefits for My Child?
SSI benefits for children with disabilities usually continue until the child turns 18. At that point, the Social Security Administration will conduct an age-18 redetermination to decide whether the child meets the adult disability requirements.
If your child is still disabled under the adult rules, benefits can continue without interruption. If the SSA finds that your child’s condition no longer qualifies, payments may stop after a grace period.
Families should be prepared for this review and gather updated medical records before the child’s 18th birthday. Our Chicago disability lawyers can help you navigate this process and protect your child’s benefits.
Get the Chicago Disability Lawyers Who Don’t Back Down
At Ankin Law, we don’t play games with bureaucracy. We fight until your child gets the benefits they deserve. Whether you’re filing for the first time or appealing a denial, our team has the experience, resources, and relentless drive to take on the SSA and win.
Call Ankin Law today at (872) 529-9377.
