SSI

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 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a monthly cash benefit from the Social Security Administration for individuals with disabilities and limited income or resources. Children may qualify if they have a documented disability and their household meets financial requirements. 

 SSI provides a monthly payment that can be used for:

• Housing or rent
• Food and basic living expenses
• Medical or therapy costs not covered by insurance
• Transportation to appointments
• Clothing or personal needs
   

Funds are provided to support the child’s well-being and help families manage the cost of care.

 To be eligible for SSI as a child, all of the following must be true:

• Must be under age 18
• Must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
   

• The child must have limited income and resources
• Parent income is considered when the child is under 18 (this is called “deeming”)
• If household income is too high, the child may not qualify — but many low- to moderate-income working families are still eligible
   

• The child must have a physical, mental, or developmental condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• The condition must cause marked and severe functional limitations
• Medical records, school documentation (like IEPs), and therapy evaluations are often used to determine eligibility

 Receiving SSI often makes your child automatically eligible for Medicaid — even if your income would normally be too high.
This opens the door to services like therapy, behavior support, and medical equipment.