Few Low-Income Children With Mental Disorders Get Supplemental Security Income

There’s good and bad news when it comes to low-income children with mental disorders in the U.S. getting the benefits they need.

The bad news is many of these children don’t receive benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The good news is the number of children with mental disorders applying for these benefits seems to be on the rise.

A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concludes that in 2013, only 2.09 percent of low-income children in the U.S. who suffer from a mental disorder received SSI or other forms of benefits.

On the other hand, experts point out the number of children with mental disorders applying for these benefits is growing. The 2.09 percent of children who received benefits in 2013 was a significant increase from the 1.88 percent who were considered program beneficiaries in 2004.

An article from Medscape says officials are hopeful the findings used to educate low-income families of children with mental disorders about the benefits they may qualify for. Researchers explain getting this particular message out is especially important because the report showed low-income families are more likely to have children who suffer from serious mental conditions.

Understanding SSI benefits can be a complex process. The Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can assist you in your quest for the answers you need. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help.