SSI for Children Under 18

If a child has a severe impairment that doesn’t exactly match a Social Security listing, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may still consider whether the impairment functionally equals the listings.

This means the condition must cause significant limitations, either “marked” limitations in two areas of functioning or an “extreme” limitation in one area.

When evaluating functional equivalence, the SSA looks at how the impairment affects daily life, including what a child can’t do, struggles to do, or needs help with. They consider all impairments together, even those that may not seem severe on their own, as well as the impact of medications, treatments, and supportive environments.

Functioning is assessed across six broad domains:

1. Acquiring and using information

2. Attending and completing tasks

3. Interacting and relating with others

4. Moving about and manipulating objects

5. Caring for yourself

6. Health and physical well-being

   
   

The SSA compares a child’s performance in daily activities at home, school, and in the community to that of other children their age. Limitations in these areas may help establish that an impairment functionally equals the listing, which can be crucial in a successful disability claim.

If your child’s impairments significantly affect their daily life but don’t match a listing exactly, we can help present your case effectively and ensure all functional limitations are fully considered.

Call us at (833) 438-7734 for a free consultation for you or your child.