Social Security Q&A: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008

Social Security Q&A: Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 Comments 0
Published: November 2, 2008

Are premature infants eligible for SSI?

Q: I was told Social Security will pay Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to children who were born prematurely. Is this true?

A: Social Security does provide SSI disability benefits to certain low birth weight infants, whether or not they were born premature. A child who weighs less than 1,200 grams (about 2 pounds, 10 ounces) at birth can qualify for SSI on the basis of low birth weight, if otherwise eligible. A child who weighs between 1,200 and 2,000 grams at birth (about 4 pounds 6 ounces) AND who is considered small for his or her gestational age may also qualify. Keep in mind that SSI is a needs-based program and the income and resources of the parents can affect eligibility. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfor disability or call the numbers listed below.

How can children get access to SSI benefits?

Q: What is the definition of disability for children filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

A: Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children under the SSI program. A child is disabled if he or she:

→Has a physical or mental condition (or a combination of conditions) that results in "marked and severe functional limitations.” This means the condition seriously limits his or her activities; and

→The condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or is expected to result in death; and

→The child is not working at a job that we consider to be substantial work.

For more information, see Benefits For Children With Disabilities at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10026.html for additional information, or call the numbers listed below.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213; TTY (800) 325-0778.