social security: applying for a child under 18

You will need to complete:

• An application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Child Disability Report: this report collects information about the child's disabling condition and how it affects his/her ability to function.

  • This form can be completed online HERE but you must call Social Security before completing the form.

At this time, only the Child Disability Report can be completed online. Please contact us by phone or in person to schedule an appointment to complete the SSI application. We will help you in person or by phone.

frequently asked questions

What should you know before you apply for SSI disability benefits for a child?

Children from birth up to age 18 may get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. They must be disabled and they must have little or no income and resources.

How does Social Security decide if a child is disabled?

Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children.

• The child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits his/her activities; and

• The condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 1 year

How does Social Security decide if a child can get SSI?

Children can get SSI if they meet Social Security's definition of disability for children and if they have little or no income and resources. We also consider the family's household income, resources and other personal information.

How will I know what Social Security has decided?

Social Security will send you a letter. It can take 3 to 5 months to decide a child's SSI disability claim. Let us know if your address or telephone number changes so that we can get in touch with you.

Full list of FAQ's can be found here.

checklist to apply

You should collect as much of the following information as possible before your interview with social security. This is in addition to the items requested in the enclosed appointment letter:

MEDICAL INFORMATION

• Name, address, and phone number of every doctor, therapist, hospital and clinic that has seen or treated the child for at least the last year.

• Any medical records you already have, including the dates the child was seen or treated and the child’s patient ID number(s), if known. Medication(s) the child is taking. These can be found on the medicine containers.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Names, addresses and phone numbers of any schools the child attended in the past 12 months, including the names of teachers, psychologists, counselors, speech and other therapists who have seen or treated the child.

• The child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for early intervention services or Individualized Education Program (IEP) for special education services, if the child has one; and any other school records that you may have.

• Names, addresses and phone numbers of any social service programs and the name of caseworkers that have information about the child.

• Name, address and phone number of another adult who helps care for the child and can help us get information, if necessary.

• Names, addresses and phone numbers of any employers the child has had. An original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.

• Proof of current income for the child and family members living in the household (for example, pay stubs, self-employment tax returns, unemployment or other program benefits, child support).

• Proof of resources for the child and parents living in the household (for example, bank account statements, life insurance policies, certificates of deposit, stocks or bonds).

• Details about your child's daily activities

Contact

General Toll Free Number: 1-800-772-1213

Cincinnati Social Security Office

Address: 10205 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45241

Hours:

Monday: 9:00 AM- 4:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM