Social Security Benefits for a Disabled Child in Texas

When faced with a child's disability, most parents want to know where they can turn for assistance. Families living in Texas have several benefit options through both state and federal programs. These programs help those who qualify with financial assistance and medical care so that they can provide the best care possible for their child.

  1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

    • The SSI program makes payments to low-income people who are either 65 or over, blind or disabled. Your child must meet Social Security's definition of disability to qualify for SSI. This means your child must have a condition that severely limits his ability to function. His condition must last or be projected to last, 12 months or more. If your child has a condition that is expected to cause their death, this 12-month stipulation does not apply. If your child works, he must not earn more than $1,000 per month during 2010. SSI determines the amount of the payments based on the number of people in the household and income. Texas does not offer supplemental income in addition to the benefit you receive from the federal SSI program.

    Medicaid and Medicare

    • Medicaid is a program that covers medical expenses for people with low incomes. In Texas, if a person qualifies for SSI, he automatically qualifies for Medicaid. This program helps those families who need immediate health care for their disabled child. Medicare is a federal health care program for people who are 65 and older and those receiving disability benefits through Social Security for at least two years. However, if your child has end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig's disease, he qualifies for Medicare immediately.

    TexCare Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

    • If you have an income too high to qualify for Medicaid, your child may qualify for low-cost health care through the state of Texas. The CHIP program helps those who work for an employer who does not offer health insurance or offers insurance that is too expensive. Your child must be a resident of Texas, be under 19 years of age and have no other health insurance to be eligible. You must meet income requirements to qualify. For example, as of 2010, a two-person household must make below $29,140 a year to qualify.

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