Eligibility for SSDI is based on employment history and tax contributions. For this reason, children under the age of 18 do not typically qualify on their onw record. Ondtead, a child must qualify under an eligible parent’s record. This type of benefit is referred to as auxiliary or dependent benefits. Learn more about auxiliary benefits, here:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dfamily4.htm
Eligibility for SSI is based on strict financial limits. Because a child does not earn or maintain responsibility for his or her own finances, the SSA will evaluate a portion of the income earned by the applicant’s parents. The process that the SSA uses to allocate a parents income to a child’s record is referred to as deeming. Learn more about SSI deeming, here:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm
After meeting the technical requirements for one-or both of the SSA’s benefit programs, your child will also have to meet certain disability-realted requirements. These requirements can be found in the SSA’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is an extensive list of disabling conditions and medical criteria that can potentially qualify a person for disability benefits. To view the complete Blue Book listing, visit:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm
For more information about Down syndrome and Social Security benefits, visit: