How does the Social Security Administration (SSA) determine disability for children?

Under the Social Security Act, a child under 18 will be considered disabled if he/she has a "medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations, and that can be expected to cause death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." This standard is slightly different than for an adult, as the majority of children do not work, at least not on a full time basis. If a child is working, however, and is earning above the allowable income level, generally then the child cannot be found disabled.  more

Under the Social Security Act, a child under 18 will be considered disabled if he/she has a "medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations, and that can be expected to cause death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."This standard is slightly different than for an adult, as the majority of children do not work, at least not on a full time basis. If a child is working, however, and is earning above the allowable income level, generally then the child cannot be found disabled.  more