You explore through Social Security, not through your child's school or doctor

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for your child, you contact Social Security directly—either online, by phone, or in person at a local office. Social Security accepts applications for children whose condition began before age 22 and who have a severe impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Your child does not need to have worked; the program covers disabled children of workers who have paid into Social Security.

The process itself asks for your child's medical records, birth certificate, and proof of your work history (since benefits are based on your Social Security account, not your child's). You will need to gather these documents before you start, because Social Security will ask for them during the process.

Most people explore online at ssa.gov under "explore for Disability," which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to explore by phone, or walk into your local Social Security office with your documents. There is no fee to explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore through Social Security's website, by phone, or at a local office; your child does not need a work history to receive SSDI.
  • You will need your child's birth certificate, medical records showing the condition and its severity, and proof of your own Social Security work history.
  • Social Security will ask a medical examiner to review your child's records; you may be asked to provide additional test results or doctor's statements.
  • The decision usually takes three to six months, and you will receive a letter in the mail explaining whether your child was approved or denied.
  • If denied, you can ask Social Security to reconsider (called a reconsideration), and if that is also denied, you can request a hearing before a judge.

What documents you need to gather before explore

Start by collecting your child's birth certificate (or adoption papers if applicable), Social Security number, and any medical records related to the condition you believe makes them disabled. "Medical records" means test results, doctor's notes, hospital discharge summaries, therapy evaluations, school psychological reports—anything that shows what the condition is and how it affects your child's functioning.

You will also need proof of your own work history. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and be ready to provide your date of birth and the dates you worked. If you are divorced or widowed, Social Security may ask for marriage or divorce papers, because your child's benefit amount depends on your earnings record.

If your child is in school and receives special education services, ask the school for copies of the most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) and any psychological or educational testing. These documents are often stronger evidence than a single doctor's visit, because they show how the condition affects your child over time.

How Social Security decides whether your child is disabled

Social Security uses a specific definition of disability for children: the condition must be severe enough that it substantially limits your child's ability to function in age-appropriate activities. This is different from the adult standard. For example, a child with severe ADHD that prevents them from attending school, or autism that prevents them from communicating or caring for themselves, may meet the standard. A child with a broken arm that will heal, or mild dyslexia managed with tutoring, would not.

Social Security has a list called the Listing of Impairments that describes conditions that automatically may have access to. These include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, severe intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and many others. If your child's condition matches a listing and the medical evidence supports it, the decision is faster. If the condition does not match a listing, Social Security will still consider it, but the review takes longer.

A medical examiner (not your child's own doctor) will review the records you submit. They may order additional tests or ask your child's doctor to provide more detail. This is normal and does not mean your process is in trouble; Social Security straightforward needs complete information to make a decision.

The timeline from process to decision

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a notice confirming they received it. You will receive a case number and the name of a claims representative assigned to your case. Keep this information; you will need it if you call with questions.

Social Security then requests your child's medical records from doctors and hospitals you list on the process. This step alone can take four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly providers respond. While you wait, you can call your claims representative to check on progress, though they cannot speed up the process.

Once Social Security has the medical records, a disability examiner reviews them against the Listing of Impairments and the definition of disability for children. This review usually takes two to four weeks. You will then receive a decision letter in the mail. The letter explains whether your child was approved, denied, or approved for a different reason than you expected (for example, approved based on a different condition than the one you emphasized).

What happens if Social Security denies the process

If your child is denied, the letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include: the medical evidence does not show the condition is severe enough, the condition is expected to improve, or the records do not clearly describe how the condition affects your child's daily functioning. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to ask Social Security to reconsider.

A reconsideration is a free second review by a different examiner. You have 60 days from the date of the denial letter to request one. You can submit new medical evidence (for example, recent test results or a new doctor's statement) along with your reconsideration request. Many denials are overturned on reconsideration if you provide stronger medical evidence.

If the reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify about how your child's condition affects them. Many families hire a disability advocate or attorney for the hearing, though it is not required. The hearing usually happens four to six months after you request it.

What to do while you wait for a decision

Continue to seek medical treatment and keep records of all appointments, test results, and doctor's notes. If your child's condition worsens or new symptoms develop, tell your doctor and ask them to document it. This information can be submitted to Social Security even after you have applied.

If your child is in school, make sure the school is documenting the impact of the condition on learning and behavior. Request copies of report cards, progress notes, and any behavioral incident reports. These show Social Security how the condition affects your child in a real-world setting.

Do not assume Social Security has all the records it needs. If you know of important medical evidence (such as a hospitalization or specialist evaluation), contact your claims representative and ask whether they have received it. Providers sometimes do not respond to Social Security's requests, and you may need to obtain the records yourself and submit them.

How SSDI benefits work once your child is approved

If your child is approved, they will receive a monthly payment based on your Social Security earnings record. The amount depends on how much you have earned and paid into Social Security over your lifetime. Social Security will send you a notice showing the monthly benefit amount and the date payments begin.

Your child can continue to receive SSDI as long as they remain disabled and do not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which changes each year. In 2024, the limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If your child works and earns more than this, benefits may stop, though there are work incentives that allow some earnings without losing all benefits.

When your child turns 18, Social Security will conduct a redetermination to confirm they still meet the disability standard using the adult definition (which is stricter than the child definition). Some children lose benefits at 18 even though they were approved as children. If this happens to your child, you have the right to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for my child if I am not currently working?

Yes. Your child can receive SSDI based on your work history even if you are not working now. Social Security looks at your lifetime earnings record, not whether you are currently employed. However, if you have never worked or worked very little, your child may not be able to receive benefits based on your account.

What if my child's doctor says they are disabled but Social Security denies the process?

A doctor's opinion is important, but Social Security has its own definition of disability and its own list of conditions that automatically may have access to. If your doctor's statement is brief or does not address how the condition affects your child's functioning in daily life, ask the doctor to write a more detailed statement. You can submit this new statement to Social Security during reconsideration.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI for my child?

You do not need a lawyer to explore or to request reconsideration. Many families successfully explore on their own. However, if your process is denied twice and you request a hearing before a judge, having an advocate or attorney can improve your chances. Lawyers are paid only if you win, and the fee is set by Social Security (usually 25% of back pay, up to $6,000).

What if my child turns 18 while the process is pending?

Social Security will continue to process the process using the child disability standard if your child was under 18 when you applied. However, if the decision comes after your child's 18th birthday, Social Security may redetermine using the adult standard. Tell Social Security about the upcoming birthday so they can note it in the file.

Can my child receive SSDI and SSI at the same time?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a different program for people with low income and few resources. Your child cannot receive both SSDI and SSI. If your child is approved for SSDI but the benefit amount is very low, you may want to ask Social Security whether your child could also receive SSI to bring the total benefit higher.