Start with the Social Security Administration, not your state

You file for SSDI for your child directly with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency that runs the program. You cannot file through your state, your child's school, or a doctor's office. You must contact SSA yourself, provide medical evidence of your child's condition, and submit financial information about your household.

The process takes several months from start to decision. SSA will ask you to prove that your child's condition is severe enough to prevent them from working at a substantial level, and that the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For children under 18, SSA also looks at whether the condition causes marked and severe functional limitations.

You can start the process online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Online is often fastest because you control the timing and can save your work, but phone and in-person options exist if you need help filling out forms.

Key Takeaways

  • You file with the Social Security Administration by going to ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office in person.
  • You will need your child's birth certificate, Social Security number, medical records showing the condition and its severity, and proof of your household income and resources.
  • The decision process typically takes three to five months, though it can take longer if SSA requests additional medical evidence.
  • If SSA denies the claim, you have 60 days to file a written request for reconsideration, which is your first step in the appeal process.
  • Your child can receive SSDI until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school full-time), at which point they may continue if they remain disabled under adult rules.

Gather medical records before you file

SSA will not take your word that your child is disabled. You must provide medical evidence from a doctor, hospital, or mental health professional who has examined or treated your child. The records should show the diagnosis, when it started, what tests or imaging was done, and how the condition affects your child's daily functioning.

Start by collecting records from every provider who has seen your child: pediatrician, specialist, therapist, hospital, or clinic. Request these in writing and ask for the full medical file, not just a summary. This usually takes one to two weeks. If your child has not seen a doctor recently, schedule an appointment before you file so there is current medical evidence on record.

You do not need to pay for these records upfront. SSA can request them directly from providers once you give permission, but having them ready when you file speeds up the process. Keep copies for yourself.

File online, by phone, or in person

The fastest route is usually online at ssa.gov. Go to the website, select "explore for benefits," and choose "Supplemental Security Income (SSI)" or "Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)" depending on your situation. The online form is called the iClaim process. You can start it, save your progress, and come back to finish it later.

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf or hard of hearing). A representative will walk you through the questions and submit the process for you. Wait times vary; calling early in the morning on a weekday is usually faster.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment. Find the office nearest you on ssa.gov. Bring your child's birth certificate, Social Security number, and any medical records you have. An employee will help you fill out the process on the spot.

Provide household income and resource information

SSA needs to know your household's income and resources to determine if your child meets the financial limits for SSDI or SSI. Bring or upload recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and information about any property you own. If you receive benefits yourself (Social Security, unemployment, welfare), include those too.

For SSDI, the income and resource limits are higher and less restrictive than for SSI. For SSI, your child's own resources cannot exceed $2,000 (this limit does not change year to year, so verify the current amount with SSA). Your income and resources as a parent affect SSI but not SSDI.

If you are unsure whether your household income is too high, file anyway. SSA will tell you during the process. Do not assume you are ineligible based on income alone.

Understand the timeline from filing to decision

After you file, SSA sends you a notice confirming receipt. This usually arrives within two weeks. The notice includes a case number you can use to check the status of your claim online or by phone.

SSA then requests medical records from your child's providers. This step takes two to four weeks depending on how quickly doctors respond. If SSA does not have enough information to make a decision, they may ask you to have your child see a doctor for a consultative examination. SSA pays for this exam.

The full decision process typically takes three to five months from the date you file. If your claim is straightforward and medical evidence is clear, it may be faster. If SSA needs more information or your child's condition is complex, it may take longer. You can check the status anytime by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Know what happens if SSA denies the claim

SSA will send you a written decision letter explaining why your child was approved or denied. If denied, the letter includes information about your right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to file a written request for reconsideration. This is your first appeal step.

To request reconsideration, contact your local Social Security office or file online at ssa.gov. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage if your child's condition has worsened or if you have additional records that were not available during the first review. Reconsideration takes another two to three months.

If reconsideration is also denied, your next step is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This requires filing another written request within 60 days. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testimony, and you have the right to bring a representative (lawyer or non-lawyer advocate) to help you.

Consider working with a representative

You can file and handle your case alone, but many families work with a lawyer or non-lawyer representative who specializes in SSDI and SSI claims. A representative can help you gather medical evidence, prepare your process, and represent you if you need to appeal.

Representatives are paid only if your case is approved. The fee is set by law: 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you filed to the date you are approved), up to a maximum of $7,200. You do not pay anything upfront or if your case is denied.

To find a representative, ask your child's doctor for a referral, contact your local legal aid office, or search the SSA's list of accredited representatives at ssa.gov. Interview more than one before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child receive SSDI if I have not worked long enough to have a work history?

No. SSDI is based on your work history, not your child's. If you have not worked enough quarters (roughly 10 years of work in the last 15 years), your child may not be able to receive SSDI on your record. In that case, your child may be able to receive SSI instead, which is needs-based and does not require a parent's work history. Ask SSA which program your child might be able to receive.

What if my child's condition is mental health or developmental, not physical?

SSA considers mental health, developmental, and behavioral conditions the same way as physical conditions. You will need medical records from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or developmental specialist showing diagnosis, treatment, and how the condition limits your child's functioning. Conditions like autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and intellectual disability can all support an SSDI or SSI claim if they are severe enough.

Can my child work part-time and still receive SSDI?

Yes, but there are limits. For 2024, your child can earn up to $1,550 per month (this amount changes yearly) and still receive full SSDI benefits. Above that amount, benefits are reduced. Once your child turns 18, different work rules explore. Ask SSA about the current earnings limits and how work affects your specific situation.

Do I have to tell SSA if my child's condition improves?

Yes. You must report any change in your child's condition, income, or living situation to SSA. If your child's condition improves significantly, SSA may schedule a medical review to determine if your child still meets the disability criteria. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which you may have to repay.

What happens to my child's benefits when they turn 18?

At age 18, your child's case is reviewed under adult disability rules, which are different from child rules. Your child must still be disabled, but the definition of disability changes. If your child is still in high school full-time, benefits may continue until age 19. After age 18, your income and resources no longer affect your child's SSI benefits (if receiving SSI), though your child's own income and resources still do.