The basic steps to explore for your child's benefits

You explore for your child's SSDI through Social Security directly — there is no separate children's program or different process form. You will need to contact Social Security, provide medical evidence of your child's condition, and answer questions about your work history (because your child's benefit amount is based on your Social Security record, not theirs). The whole process typically takes three to six months from the day you submit everything.

Social Security will assign a claims representative to your case. That person will tell you exactly what medical records and documents they need, in what form, and when. You do not have to guess or gather everything at once — they will guide you through what comes next.

Key Takeaways

  • Your child's SSDI benefit is based on your Social Security earnings record, so you will need to provide your own work history and Social Security number along with your child's medical evidence.
  • You can start the process by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or creating an account on ssa.gov to begin online.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records showing your child's condition and how it limits their ability to work or function — records from doctors, hospitals, therapists, or schools all count.
  • If Social Security denies the first decision, you can request reconsideration or appeal, and many families work with a representative who knows the process to improve their chances on appeal.
  • Your child can continue receiving benefits through age 18, and may continue past 18 if they are still in high school or if their condition meets the adult definition of disability.

What documents you will need to gather

Before you call or visit, collect your child's birth certificate, Social Security number, and any medical records you have at home. You will also need your own Social Security number and information about your work history — even if you are no longer working, Social Security needs to know what you earned in the past.

The medical records are the most important part. Bring anything that shows your child's diagnosis and how it affects them: records from pediatricians, specialists, hospitals, therapists, or schools. If your child receives special education services, the school's evaluation reports are valuable evidence. You do not need to have every record perfectly organized — Social Security can request records directly from doctors and hospitals if you give them permission.

If your child has never seen a doctor about their condition, or if the records are very old, Social Security may ask you to have your child examined by a doctor they select. They will pay for this exam.

How to start the process

You have three ways to begin: by phone, in person, or online. Calling 1-800-772-1213 is often the fastest if you have time to wait on hold. A representative will ask you questions and can often schedule an appointment or start your case over the phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait. Calling ahead to ask about wait times or scheduling an appointment is usually faster.

If you prefer to start online, go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for benefits." You can create a my Social Security account and begin the process there. You will still need to speak with someone at Social Security to finish the process, but starting online lets you fill in basic information on your own schedule.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will send you a letter confirming they received your process and telling you what happens next. They will ask you to provide or sign permission forms so they can get medical records directly from your child's doctors. This usually takes a few weeks.

While Social Security gathers records, a medical examiner (called a Disability information Services examiner) will review everything to decide whether your child meets the definition of disability. This person is not your child's doctor — they work for Social Security and review cases. The examiner may ask Social Security to request additional records or to have your child seen by a doctor.

You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If Social Security approves your child's case, the letter will tell you when benefits start and how much the monthly payment will be. If they deny it, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Understanding the definition of disability for children

Social Security uses a different definition of disability for children than for adults. Your child does not have to be unable to work — children are not expected to work anyway. Instead, Social Security looks at whether your child's condition severely limits their ability to function in age-appropriate activities like learning, playing, or caring for themselves.

The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. It can be physical (like cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis), mental (like autism or intellectual disability), or both. Social Security has a list of conditions that automatically meet the definition if the medical evidence is strong enough, but your child does not have to have one of those specific conditions — the examiner can find that your child meets the definition based on how the condition affects them.

School records and teacher observations are important here. If your child receives special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or a 504 plan, bring those documents. They show how your child's condition affects learning and daily life.

What to do if Social Security denies your child's case

If you receive a denial letter, you have the right to appeal. The letter will explain the important date — usually 60 days from the date on the letter. Do not miss this important date, because it closes your right to appeal that particular decision.

You have four levels of appeal: reconsideration (a different examiner reviews the case), a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most families appeal to the hearing stage, where you can present new evidence and speak to a judge.

Many families hire a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate who knows Social Security law — to help with an appeal. These representatives work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they can only charge a fee that Social Security approves (usually 25% of back pay, up to a maximum amount). You can find representatives through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking a local disability advocacy group.

How benefits work once your child is approved

Your child will receive a monthly payment deposited into a bank account. The amount is based on your Social Security earnings record — specifically, what you would receive if you were retired at full retirement age. The payment does not change based on your child's needs or your family's income.

Your child can continue receiving benefits through age 18. If your child is still in high school at 19, benefits may continue until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first. After age 18, your child can continue receiving benefits only if they meet the adult definition of disability — meaning they cannot work because of their condition.

When your child turns 18, Social Security will do a new review called a "continuing disability review" to decide whether they still meet the adult definition. This is a separate decision from the child definition, and some children who may have access to as children do not may have access to as adults. Social Security will notify you before this review happens.

Your child's benefits stop if they work and earn more than a certain amount per month (the limit changes each year), or if they no longer have a disability. You should report any work or changes in your child's condition to Social Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my income or assets affect whether my child can receive SSDI?

No. SSDI is based on your work record, not your current income or how much money you have. Your child can receive SSDI even if your family is wealthy or if you are still working and earning a high income. The only limit is that your child cannot earn more than a certain amount per month from their own work.

Can I explore for my child if I have never worked or if I do not have a Social Security number?

Your child cannot receive SSDI based on your record if you do not have a Social Security number or work history. However, your child may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a different program based on your family's income and assets. Contact Social Security to learn whether SSI is an option for your child.

What if my child's condition improves or gets better?

You should report any improvement to Social Security. Your child's benefits will not stop automatically if their condition improves — Social Security will do a review to decide whether they still meet the definition of disability. If your child no longer meets the definition, benefits will stop, but you will receive notice before that happens.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore?

Most decisions take three to six months, but it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly Social Security receives medical records and how complex your child's case is. You can call Social Security to ask about the status of your case after a few weeks.

Can my child work while receiving SSDI?

Yes, but there are limits. Your child can earn up to a certain amount per month (the limit changes each year) without losing benefits. If your child earns more than that, benefits will stop for that month. This is called the "substantial gainful activity" limit. Contact Social Security to learn the current limit and how work affects your child's specific case.