How SSDI for children works and what you need to start

To get SSDI for your child, you file an process with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that describes your child's medical condition, work history (if the child is a teenager), and family income. The SSA then sends your child's case to a medical examiner called a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state, which reviews medical records and decides whether the condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. The whole process typically takes three to five months, though it can take longer if SSA needs more medical evidence.

You do not need a lawyer to file, but you will need to gather medical records, proof of your child's identity, and documentation of your family's income and resources. The process itself is free, and there is no fee to file.

Key Takeaways

  • You file the process in person at your local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov — the online route is fastest and you can save your progress.
  • Medical records are the core of the decision: SSA will request them directly from your child's doctors, but you should gather copies yourself to speed up the process.
  • Your family's income and resources matter only if your child is under 18; once your child turns 18, SSA looks only at your child's own income and resources.
  • If SSA denies the process, you have 60 days to file a written request for reconsideration, which sends the case to a different examiner at the same DDS office.
  • Once your child is approved, benefits begin the month after the SSA determines the disability started, and your child can receive a check each month until age 19 (if still in high school) or indefinitely if the disability continues.

What documents you need before you file

Gather these documents before you start the process. You will need your child's Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a passport, green card, or state ID). You will also need your own Social Security number and proof of your income — recent tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs if you are employed, or documentation of any other income your household receives.

For medical evidence, collect the names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and therapists who have treated your child for the condition you are reporting. Write down the dates of the most recent visits. You do not need to submit the actual records with your process — SSA will request them directly from the providers — but having this list ready speeds things up. If your child is a teenager and has ever worked, gather records of that employment and any earnings.

If your child receives services through your state's Medicaid program or your school district's special education system, have those documents available too. They often contain useful medical and functional information that supports your case.

How to file the process online, by phone, or in person

The fastest route is to file online at ssa.gov/benefits/child. You create an account, answer questions about your child's medical condition and your family's income, and can save your progress and come back later. The online process takes 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit.

If you prefer to file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). A representative will walk you through the questions and file the process for you. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning on weekdays.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment and ask to file an process for child's SSDI. Find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your documents with you. An employee will help you complete the form on the spot.

What happens after you file: the timeline and what SSA will ask for

Within two weeks of filing, SSA will send you a notice confirming receipt of your process and listing the medical records they are requesting from your child's doctors. They will contact the providers directly, but the process moves faster if you also call those offices and ask them to send records to SSA. Give them the case number from your confirmation notice.

SSA will then send your child's file to the Disability information Services office in your state. That office has a medical examiner and a disability examiner review the records. If the medical evidence is incomplete or unclear, they may request additional records or ask your child to attend a consultative examination — a free appointment with a doctor chosen by SSA to gather more information. You will receive notice of this appointment by mail.

The DDS office typically makes a decision within 60 to 90 days of receiving the file from SSA. You will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether your child was approved or denied. If approved, the notice will state the month the disability is considered to have started and when your child's first check will arrive.

Understanding income and resource limits for your family

If your child is under 18, SSA counts your family's income and resources to determine whether your child meets the financial limits for SSDI. The income limit changes each year — in 2024, the limit is $3,822 per month for a family of two, but this varies by family size and state. The resource limit is $10,000 for a family (also adjusted yearly).

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, rental income, and some benefits like unemployment or workers' compensation. It does not include food stamps, housing information, or most other means-tested benefits. Resources include bank accounts, stocks, and property you own — but your home and one vehicle do not count.

Once your child turns 18, SSA stops counting your family's income and resources entirely. From that point forward, only your child's own income and resources matter. This is a significant change, and many families find their child's benefits increase or become more stable once the child reaches 18.

What to do if SSA denies your process

If SSA denies your process, you have the right to challenge the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file a written request for reconsideration. Write a letter to your local Social Security office stating that you disagree with the decision and want reconsideration. Include your child's name, Social Security number, and the date of the denial notice. Mail it to the office address listed on the notice, or deliver it in person.

Reconsideration sends your child's case to a different examiner at the same DDS office. This examiner reviews all the same evidence plus any new medical records you submit. If you believe the first decision was wrong because medical evidence was missing or incomplete, gather additional records from your child's doctors and submit them with your reconsideration request.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify. Many families hire a lawyer at this stage, though it is not required. A lawyer typically takes the case on contingency, meaning they are paid only if you win, and their fee comes from your back pay.

What benefits your child receives and how long they last

Once approved, your child receives a monthly check from SSA. The amount depends on your family's income and resources — if your family's income is high, the benefit may be reduced or eliminated. The maximum federal benefit in 2024 is $943 per month for a child, but the actual amount varies by case.

Your child can receive benefits until age 19 if still in high school, or indefinitely if the disability continues past age 19. At age 18, your child's case is reviewed to determine whether the disability still meets Social Security's standards for an adult. If your child's condition has improved significantly, benefits may stop. If the disability continues, benefits continue.

Once your child turns 19 and is no longer in high school, benefits stop unless your child is found to be disabled under adult rules. Some conditions that may have access to your child as a child may not meet the adult standard, so the review at age 18 or 19 is important. Your child will receive notice of this review in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child work and still receive SSDI?

Yes. Children under 18 can work and earn money without losing benefits. Once your child turns 18, SSA allows up to $1,550 per month in earnings (in 2024) before benefits are reduced. Earnings above that amount reduce the benefit by one dollar for every two dollars earned. Plan to report any work to SSA so they can calculate benefits correctly.

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

You must report changes to SSA. If your child's condition improves significantly, SSA may schedule a medical review and could stop benefits. If your child's condition worsens, contact SSA and ask them to consider the new medical evidence — this can speed up approval if you are still waiting, or increase benefits if already approved.

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

No. You can file and manage the case yourself. A lawyer is most useful if SSA denies your process and you plan to request a hearing. Many lawyers work on contingency for SSDI cases, so you pay nothing unless you win.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for children?

SSDI is based on your work history and taxes paid into Social Security. SSI is a needs-based program for children with low family income and resources. Most children with disabilities receive SSI, not SSDI. You can file for both at the same time, and SSA will determine which program your child qualifies for.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most decisions come within three to five months. If SSA needs more medical records or wants your child to attend a consultative exam, it can take longer. Reconsideration takes another two to three months. A hearing before a judge can take six months to a year or more, depending on the judge's workload in your area.