Social Security disability benefits for my teen daughter just diagnosed - backpay possible?

My son got SSI at 16 for his disability. You need to apply for SSI not SSDI since she doesn't have work credits. Call ssa tomorrow and start application!!!!

As a minor, your daughter would qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), not Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The distinction is important because: 1. SSI is needs-based with income/resource limits for your household 2. SSDI requires work credits, which she wouldn't have at 15 For retroactive benefits, SSI allows for payments going back to the application date, but not for the full 2 years before you apply. This is different from SSDI, which can provide backpay for up to 12 months before application date. If she's approved, benefits can continue beyond 18 if her condition still meets disability criteria, but she'll be reevaluated at age 18 under adult standards, which are stricter. To start the process: 1. Call SSA to schedule an appointment (be prepared for long wait times) 2. Gather all medical records documenting her condition 3. Have details ready about household income and resources 4. Be prepared to show how her condition severely limits functioning

To clarify what others have said - there are two distinct situations for children with disabilities: 1. SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This is what your daughter likely qualifies for. It's based on disability AND financial need. Household income and resources must fall below certain limits. For 2025, the resource limit is approximately $2,000 for an individual (your daughter) and monthly benefit can be up to $950. OR 2. SSDI dependent benefits: Children can receive benefits based on a parent's work record, but ONLY if the parent is: - Deceased (survivor benefits) - Already receiving Social Security disability benefits - Already receiving Social Security retirement benefits Since you didn't mention being on disability or retirement yourself, your daughter would apply for SSI. Regarding backpay: SSI only pays from the date of application (plus maybe 1-2 months during processing), not from onset date. This is why it's crucial to apply immediately once you have the diagnosis. The SSI application process requires: - Initial interview (call SSA to schedule) - Detailed medical evidence (they'll request records but having copies helps) - School records showing functional limitations - Documentation of your household income and resources SSA will send her case to Disability Determination Services (DDS) who will review medical evidence and may require additional consultative exams.

Good luck getting through to SS on the phone! I spent DAYS trying to reach someone for my daughter's case. kept getting disconnected or wait times of 2+ hours. So frustrating when you're already dealing with a sick kid. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Just sharing because it saved me so much stress when I was trying to sort out her SSI application. I was ready to give up before finding this.

I went through this with my son who's now 23. Start gathering EVERYTHING now. All medical records, school accommodations, therapy notes, prescription history, hospital visits. Create a timeline of symptoms and how they affect daily functioning. SSA wants to see how the disability impacts her ability to do age-appropriate activities. The most important thing is proving that her condition meets the criteria in the Blue Book (SSA's listing of impairments). Each condition has specific criteria that must be documented. When you have your interview, specifically mention which listing you believe she meets and have documentation ready that addresses each requirement of that listing. My biggest regret was not appealing when we were initially denied. Many cases get approved on reconsideration or at the hearing level. Don't give up if the first answer is no.

they will deny you the first time guaranteed!!!! they always do this!!! my daughter got denied 3 TIMES before getting approved and she has severe autism. the system is designed to make you give up. don't!!!! and watch out they'll count all YOUR income and assets not just hers. if you have savings over like $2000 or make decent money they might say she doesn't qualify even if she's disabled. it's so unfair but that's how they do SSI for kids. they count parent income until 18. also apply for medicaid at the same time, usually the same office handles both and if she gets SSI she automatically gets medicaid in most states which helps SOOO much with medical bills.

To address your backpay question specifically: While SSI doesn't provide retroactive benefits before application date like SSDI can, there's an important exception for children. If your daughter is approved for SSI, she can receive benefits for up to 6 months prior to the application date IF: 1. She met all eligibility requirements during those months 2. The disability determination establishes that she was disabled during that period 3. Your household met the financial eligibility requirements during those months This isn't the full 2 years you mentioned, but it's better than just from application date. During the application process, make sure to emphasize when her condition began affecting her functioning at the level of a disability. Also, once approved for SSI, she'll likely qualify for state benefits as well, including Medicaid and possibly other support programs. When you have your appointment, ask specifically about other programs she might qualify for.

SSI for kids is so messed up they count parents income but SSDI doesnt work for most kids and medical bills are crazy expensive my nephew got approved then denied a year later said he was better but he wasnt just different doctor said different things

Since several people have mentioned continuing disability reviews (CDRs), let me explain how those work for children: 1. For conditions that may improve, SSA typically conducts reviews every 3 years 2. For conditions unlikely to improve, reviews happen less frequently (every 5-7 years) 3. At age 18, there's a mandatory redetermination under adult criteria The age 18 redetermination is particularly important. The criteria for adults are more stringent, focusing on ability to work rather than age-appropriate functioning. Many children who qualified under childhood standards lose benefits at this review. It's best to prepare for this well in advance. When your daughter nears 18, if her condition is still present, consider: - Vocational rehabilitation services - Transition planning through her school - Whether she might qualify for the Ticket to Work program - How to document ongoing limitations in a way that meets adult standards Approximately 60% of childhood SSI recipients lose benefits at the age 18 redetermination. Having thorough, updated medical documentation is crucial for maintaining eligibility.

don't let the negative comments scare you! yes its hard but many kids get approved. my son got approved first time with no lawyer. just have ALL paperwork ready and the specialist diagnosis. make copies of EVERYTHING cuz they lose stuff. and keep calling if u don't hear anything after a few weeks!!

I work as a disability advocate and wanted to add a few practical tips that might help with your daughter's case: 1. **Document functional limitations**: Keep a daily diary of how her condition affects specific activities - getting dressed, attending school, concentrating on homework, participating in social activities. SSA needs to see concrete examples of how the disability impacts her daily functioning. 2. **Get supportive statements**: Ask teachers, counselors, therapists, and even family friends to write statements describing the limitations they've observed. These third-party observations carry weight. 3. **Request consultative exam strategically**: If SSA schedules a consultative exam (which they often do), prepare your daughter for what to expect. These exams are brief and the doctors may not be familiar with her specific condition. Bring a summary of her symptoms and limitations. 4. **Income/asset planning**: Since you mentioned medical bills have been crushing, be aware that SSA will count your household income and assets. If you're close to the income limits, consider timing the application strategically or consulting with a benefits planner about asset protection. The 2-year delay in diagnosis actually works in your favor for establishing onset date, even though SSI doesn't provide retroactive benefits. It shows a clear timeline of when symptoms began affecting her functioning. Good luck with the process!

I'm so sorry you're going through this with your daughter. As a parent who navigated this process recently, I wanted to share a few things that might help: First, definitely apply for SSI as others mentioned - not SSDI. The process can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in this. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: start documenting EVERYTHING now, even before you get the official diagnosis. Keep records of missed school days, activities she can't participate in, how her symptoms affect daily tasks like homework or chores. This creates a clear picture of functional limitations. Also, don't wait for the "perfect" moment to apply. Some parents think they need to wait until they have every single medical record organized, but you can start the application process and provide additional documentation as you get it. SSA will request records directly from doctors too. Regarding the 2+ years of symptoms - while you can't get retroactive SSI payments for that time, having that documented timeline actually strengthens your case by showing the progression and persistence of her condition. The financial stress is real, and I know the uncertainty about her future is scary. But getting SSI can provide not just monthly income support, but also Medicaid coverage which can help tremendously with ongoing medical costs. Take it one step at a time. Call SSA this week to start the process, and don't get discouraged if it takes time. You're advocating for your daughter's future, and that matters.