Children’s SSI in Arizona. Disability benefits for a child under 18.

The test for a child is different

Adults are asked whether they can work. Children are asked how the condition limits them compared with other children the same age. A child qualifies medically when a physical or mental condition causes marked and severe functional limitations and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

How Social Security measures function

If the condition does not match one of Social Security’s childhood listings, the agency looks at six areas of functioning:

• Acquiring and using information.
• Attending and completing tasks.
• Interacting and relating with others.
• Moving about and manipulating objects.
• Caring for yourself.
• Health and physical well-being.

A child is found disabled with a marked limitation in two of these areas or an extreme limitation in one.

The financial test

SSI is based on need. For a child under 18 living at home, Social Security counts part of the parents’ income and resources as the child’s. This is called deeming. The number of parents and other children in the home changes the result, so two families with the same income can get different answers.

The maximum federal SSI payment is $994 a month in 2026 and $1,029 in 2027. The child’s payment is that amount minus countable income.

Evidence that decides these cases

• School records: special education plans, evaluations, attendance, and discipline records.
• Teacher questionnaires. Social Security sends these to the school, and they carry real weight.
• Medical and therapy records, including speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy.
• Statements from parents and caregivers about a typical day.

Our free doctor forms include a Child Functional Assessment and a Child Mental Functional Assessment for your child’s provider to complete.

If the claim is denied

You have 60 days to appeal. The steps are the same as for adults: reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge. See what to do after a denial in Arizona.

What we handle

We represent children in SSI applications and appeals. We do not handle age-18 redeterminations or cessation cases. For adults disabled since childhood, see Disabled Adult Child benefits and SSI in Arizona.

There is no fee unless benefits are awarded.

J Disability Law Firm, PLLC · Joseph J. Duerst, Attorney · 18444 N. 25th Ave, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85023 · (602) 607-0000. This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Past results do not predict the outcome of your case.