1. What Is SSI for Children?

SSI for children provides monthly cash benefits to families with limited income and resources who are caring for a child under age 18 with a qualifying disability. Benefits continue until the child turns 18, at which point SSA reviews their eligibility under adult disability standards.

2. Who Is Eligible for SSI Benefits as a Child in Tennessee?

To qualify for SSI benefits as a child in Tennessee, the following requirements must be met:

a. Age Requirement

• The child must be under age 18, or
• Under age 22 if regularly attending school.

b. Disability Requirement

The child must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment (or combination of impairments) that:

• Results in marked and severe functional limitations, and
• Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Unlike adult disability standards, SSA does not assess whether the child can work but instead evaluates how severely the condition limits their daily functioning.

c. Financial Requirement

SSI is a needs-based program. SSA considers the family’s income and resources under a process called “deeming”, which counts a portion of parental income toward the child’s eligibility. To qualify:

• Family income and assets must be below SSI limits.
• Resources are limited to $2,000 for an individual child or $3,000 for a child in a two-parent household (excluding exempt resources like the primary home and one vehicle).

3. What Conditions Qualify Children for SSI in Tennessee?

Children can qualify with various physical or mental conditions if they cause severe functional limitations. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Intellectual disabilities and developmental delays
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cerebral palsy
• Down syndrome
• Blindness or severe vision impairment
• Deafness or severe hearing loss
• Congenital disorders
• Severe behavioral or emotional disorders
• Chronic illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, or severe asthma

SSA evaluates these conditions under the Childhood Listings of Impairments, but a child can also qualify if their condition is functionally equivalent to a listed impairment.

4. How Much Are SSI Payments for Children in Tennessee?

In 2024, the federal SSI payment standard is $943 per month for an individual. However, the exact amount a child receives depends on:

• Family income (including deemed parental income)
• Other countable resources or benefits received

Tennessee does not provide a state SSI supplement, so SSI payments consist solely of the federal benefit amount, adjusted based on income deeming calculations.

5. How to Apply for SSI for a Child in Tennessee

To apply:

• Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Child SSI applications cannot be completed fully online.
• Gather medical records, school records, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), therapy evaluations, and any documents showing the child’s limitations.
• Complete the Child Disability Report and SSI application forms with detailed information about the child’s daily functioning.

SSA will review:

• Medical and educational records
• Statements from doctors, therapists, and teachers
• Results of any consultative examinations they may schedule for your child

6. Continuing Disability Reviews for Children

Once approved, SSA will conduct periodic disability reviews:

• Every 3 years if the child’s condition is expected to improve, or
• As needed to confirm continued eligibility.

At age 18, SSA conducts an Age-18 Redetermination, applying adult disability standards to determine whether benefits continue into adulthood.

7. How Can SSI Benefits Help Children in Tennessee?

SSI benefits provide crucial financial support to help cover:

• Medical and therapy costs not covered by insurance
• Specialized equipment or educational support needs
• Transportation and caregiving expenses
• General household expenses to ease financial burdens while caring for a child with disabilities