Overview of SSI Disability Claims Benefits for Children and Immigrants

Supplemental Security Income or SSI disability claim benefits are paid to those who are deemed disabled, blind or elderly by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
To be eligible, the claimant must have limited income and resources as well.
Unlike the Social Security Disability, SSI is funded through US Treasury general funds and not through Social Security taxes.

A lot has been discussed about who can be eligible for SSI, but did you know that aside from adult US citizens, some children and immigrants may be eligible for SSI disability claim benefits as well?
That is right; the disability benefits can be extended to children and some immigrants.

Here is an overview of the following:
SSI for Children
For a child to be eligible for SSI, he should be considered by the SSA as either blind or disabled.
They should have consent from their parents or guardians before they can file a disability claim.

The resources of the household where he is staying may still be scrutinized if it passes the limited resources requirement for SSI.
If the child has no parents or guardian, he can still file an SSI disability claim as an unaccompanied youth.

However, they have to prove to the SSA office that they are not living with their parents to be able to file an SSI disability claim.
All SSI disability benefits to children will be reevaluated under the adult standard once they turn 18.

SSI for Immigrants
For an immigrant to be qualified for SSI disability claims benefits, he should first be considered as an “eligible alien” and should be legally in the US.
There are several categories set by the Department of Homeland Security that defines an “eligible alien,” some of those are:


• Aliens that are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the US
• Aliens who are granted conditional entry pursuant
• Aliens who are paroled into the US for at least one year
• Aliens who are considered refugees
• Aliens who are granted asylum

Aside from passing the “eligible alien” requirement, the immigrant must still pass the regular requirements of SSI disability claims.
The immigrant should be disabled, blind or elderly, as well as having limited income and resources.

Getting a Disability Lawyer
Getting approved for SSI disability claim benefits is difficult enough as it is, but it is more difficult for children and immigrants because of the extra requirements that are asked from them.
That is why getting the services of a disability lawyer is more important than ever.
Aside from preparing your disability claim, the disability lawyer can help secure proofs for those additional requirements.