Search for answers or browse our resource library.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Children with Disabilities
Reviewed July 2025
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a publicly funded program, managed by the federal Social Security Administration that provides monthly income to a child or adult who has limited income, limited assets or resources and is disabled, blind or elderly. In Wisconsin, when a child qualifies for SSI, they also qualify for and will be enrolled in Medicaid.
Qualifying for SSI
Age
There is no minimum age, so a child may be eligible as early as their date of birth. When a child turns 18, a new medical review must be done, and the adult medical criteria must be met to remain eligible for SSI.
Income and Assets
If a child is under age 18, and lives with parents who do not qualify for SSI, Social Security considers a portion of the parent’s (and stepparent’s) income and assets. The process of determining how much of your income and resources is count is called “deeming.” (See ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-deeming.htm) To see some examples of resources that don’t count in deeming, including one car and your home, see ssa.gov/ssi/text-resources-ussi.htm.
Level of Disability
A child must have physical or mental impairments, or a combination of both, that result in a marked and severe limitation in functioning and:
- The condition must have lasted (or be expected to last) for one year or be expected to result in death.
- If a child is blind, they must meet the statutory definition of blindness. See the complete information at ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm.
The Social Security Administration publishes a “Blue Book” that lists all disability categories, including descriptions for children. Keep in mind, this book is for professionals so it is written at a technical level, but it may help families get an idea of the conditions Social Security considers. See ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm.
There are a few conditions, called Compassionate Allowances, that allow Social Security to quickly qualify a person for SSI. These conditions primarily include a cancer diagnosis, but other examples include Rett Syndrome, Edwards Syndrome and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). You can find the complete listing at ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm.
Tip for Families
To keep your SSI application moving smoothly, it’s important make sure you answers as complete as possible. If more information is requested to make a determination, try to get your response returned as soon as possible. If you’re not sure what’s needed, contact the sender to ask questions. They will explain what they need.
Where to Start
- Go to the Social Security website and review the Child Disability Starter Kit. This kit includes a checklist of what is needed, a fact sheet and an optional worksheet.
- Complete both an SSI Application and a Child Disability Report. The report collects information about the child’s condition and how it affects their ability to function. Both the application and the Child Disability Report are available on the Social Security website, however, only the Disability Report can be completed online. You will also be asked to sign a form that gives your child’s health providers permission to give Social Security information about his/her disability.
- Next, call Social Security at 800.772.1213 to schedule an appointment to complete the application. They will help you in person or by telephone. Do NOT go to a local office without an appointment. You may wait a long time to talk to a representative or you may be given an appointment on another day.
Timeline
Currently, from the time you apply to the time you’re notified from the Social Security Administration, most families wait 7 – 9 months. You can check on the status of the application by calling 800.772.1213 or going to the SSA website and logging into your account.
Social Security Disability Determinations
The Disability Determination Bureau, in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, is responsible for making the medical decision for Wisconsin residents applying for SSI. After you filed the SSI application with Social Security, and they found your child eligible for the non-medical requirements (your income and resources are not too high for eligibility), the Disability Determination Bureau will collect medical information from your child’s doctors, therapists, hospitals and/or school.
Disability examiners and medical professionals will evaluate the information gathered to decide if your child is disabled based on the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits Includes Medicaid Coverage
An important benefit of receiving SSI in Wisconsin is that a child who qualifies for SSI receives a ForwardHealth card and will have comprehensive health coverage through Wisconsin Medicaid. Visit the Family Voices Resource Library to learn more about the benefits offered through Medicaid.
Tip for Families
If your child is not eligible for SSI because your family’s income or resources are above the limit, they may still be eligible for Wisconsin Medicaid through other doorways like the Katie Beckett Medicaid Program. They may also be eligible for the Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS) Program.
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929): Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area.
If you need this fact sheet as a pdf or other format contact Lynn at lynn@fvofwi.org.
Family Voices of Wisconsin, 2016© | familyvoiceswi.org