Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who are blind, aged, and/or have disabilities and are financially needy. Children can receive SSI benefits if they fit SSA's eligibility requirements. A child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for SSI if the symptoms of the disorder are severe enough to meet SSA's eligibility criteria.
According to SSA, "an individual under age 18 is 'disabled' if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which results in marked and severe functional limitations; and can be expected to result in death; or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." In some cases, an individual who is under age 22 and regularly attending school can also be considered a "child" for purposes of SSI eligibility.
If a child with ADHD has medical proof to show that the disorder results in severe functional limitations, the child may be eligible for SSI.
Because SSI is a program based also on financial need, there are resource limits. A resource can be cash or items that can be sold for cash. In most cases, things such as the house you live in, one vehicle, and trust funds are not considered resources. In order to be eligible for SSI, and individual cannot have more than $2,000 in resources. In the case of children, a portion of the income and resources of parents and/or stepparents they live with will be counted when determining eligibility.
If a child with ADHD meets SSA's definition of disability and has limited resources (below $2,000), then that child may apply for SSI benefits. The application can be done at any local Social Security office, but be sure to make an appointment first as an interview with an SSI program worker is often an important part of applying. SSI payments can begin as early as the application date if the application is approved.
SSI Payment Amounts.
SSI benefits help cover living expenses.
The amount of the SSI benefit typically changes every year to coincide with any Cost of Living of Living Adjustments (COLA). For 2010, the Federal Benefit Rate is $674 for an eligible individual. Many states with a high cost of living supplement this amount further. This total SSI benefit amount is meant to cover basic living expenses such as rent and food. A child's benefit will typically be paid to the parent or guardian. SSA will do periodic reviews of how the money was spent to ensure it was spent in the best interest of the child. SSA will also do periodic medical reviews to see if the child has medically improved to ensure the child remains eligible for the SSI program.
Medical Coverage Under SSI
Medicaid can help pay medical bills.
If a child is approved to receive SSI benefits, that child will also be covered by Medicaid. There is no waiting period: the day the SSI benefits begin, so too does the Medicaid coverage. The Medicaid program is administered at the state level and can vary from state to state.
When the Child Turns 18
When children receiving SSI turn 18 (or 22 if regularly attending school in grades 7-12, home school, a training program, or college), a change may occur in their SSI eligibility. They are no longer subject to the definition of disability for children but must meet the definition of disability for adults. SSA says that "an individual age 18 and older is 'disabled' if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which results in the inability to do any substantial gainful activity; and can be expected to result in death; or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."
If children's ADHD results in an impairment that keeps them from working at a substantial level, they may be able to continue receiving SSI benefits. Work activity is considered to be substantial when a person is earning a certain amount of income. This is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), and this amount tends to increase each year. For 2010, SGA is earnings of $1,000 per month (gross) or more.