Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, are Social Security payments given to people who are disabled, over 65, or blind and have limited resources. There is an application and eligibility process that must be completed to determine if a person is eligible for benefits. Children of the person receiving benefits may also be eligible to receive benefits.
Minor Children
Children under the age of 18, are eligible to receive SSI benefits for a disabled parent. A child may be 19 and receive the disability benefits if she is still attending elementary or secondary school. The child can be a biological, adopted or stepchild.
Disabled Children
Disabled children over the age of 18 are also eligible to receive disability benefits of the parent. The child must have been declared disabled before the age of 22.
Children Under 16
If a child is under the age of 16 or disabled, the benefits may go to the spouse of the disabled recipient on record, if she is caring for the child.
Children Born After Benefits Are Already Being Given
The Social Security office should be contacted if any child is born after disability benefits are already being received. The office will review this and determine if the child is eligible to receive benefits.
Amount of Benefits Received
The amount of benefits received will vary for each person. The amount is determined by looking at the applicant's income and resources. The income maximum limits differ from state to state. However, food stamps, energy assistance, worth of burial plots, and the owned residence and land will not count for income and resources.
