Pursuing Disability Claims for Children
If your child has a disability that seriously impacts his or her ability to function, you may want to consider applying for Children’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to help you provide your child with care and support.
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, PLLC, we assist parents with SSI benefit claims on behalf of their children. Contact us to set up a free consultation with an experienced disability benefits lawyer.
Understanding Who Is Entitled to SSI Child Benefits
The Supplemental Security Income program provides disability benefits for children who have medical, mental, or emotional problems that seriously impact their ability to function.
Unlike adult disability benefits, SSI for children is not based on the applicant’s inability to work. Instead, it is based on how the child’s medical impairment affects his or her:
- Cognitive abilities
- Emotional stability
- Socialization skills
- Physical functioning
- Ability to take care of personal needs
Our attorneys are experienced at evaluating children’s circumstances to determine whether they may be eligible for SSI benefits. If you appear to be eligible, we will guide you through the application process and any appeals that may be necessary if the benefits are denied.
Ida and Stephanie were great! They kept me posted about my case. They provided documents for my doctors to fill out so I had as much medical records as I could! Stephanie represented me in the Judge appeal and was great asking me questions about my disability and helping me convey those disabilities to the judge! I’m so grateful ☺️ for their help! Highly recommend them!
Working with Hiller Comerford was easy. They took care of everything and their communication was exceptional. I’ve already referred others to them.
Seriously grateful to my attorney, Ryan Taylor. I spent years trying to navigate VA disability on my own and they managed to finally make headway where I could not.
Everyone I spoke with and worked with was extremely kind and had great communication also they were compassionate,they worked very diligently to help me and kept me well informed throughout the process I couldn't thank them enough.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law for their exceptional support and guidance throughout my disability benefits process. Their expertise and dedication made an overwhelming situation feel manageable, and they ensured every step was handled with care and clarity. I am truly grateful for their assistance and highly recommend their services.
My lawyer RyanTaylor was amazing. He told me exactly how the process goes, what to expect and how long it realistically would take. He was able to get for me exactly what I had tried twice to do myself but was rejected by the VA for. I will recommend all my Veteran friends to him.
Hard workers, always looking at the positive side of the case and always listening to the client. Only down remark is hard to get calls back.
Hiller Comerford have been amazing. They got me a fully favorable decision on my disability claim, I could have never been able to do that on my own. Everyone in their office is so kind and so knowledgeable. They really helped make a difficult time of my life a pleasure. Thank you so much Hiller Comerford!!!
The firm understands the situation, and are very acknowledged about the social security laws and guidelines. Staff were very friendly. The attorney that represented me was Charles Gaughan and the case manager was Olivia Fritzen. They did a wonderful job with my representation for my case. I would highly recommend The law firm of Hiller and Comerford.
Evaluating Your Income to Determine Your Child’s Eligibility
SSI is available for all children regardless of whether their parents have paid enough Social Security taxes to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) insurance benefits. The income earned by a child’s parents can impact eligibility, but the guidelines are more liberal than they are for adult SSI claims.
To discuss whether your child is eligible for SSI benefits and, if so, what our attorneys can do to guide you through the process and pursue a fair outcome, contact us today.
FAQ: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits for Children
Can my child get SSI if my household income is too high?
Yes, your child may still qualify. The Social Security Administration does not count all household income. Instead, it applies a process called deeming that excludes certain expenses and allowances before calculating eligibility. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we help you understand how these rules apply and determine whether a child may still qualify even when income seems too high at first.
How much does a child receive in SSI benefits in New York?
SSI is a federal program, so payment amounts are the same in New York as in other states. In 2026, the maximum monthly federal SSI benefit is about $994, but the actual amount can be lower depending on parental income, living arrangements, and other support the child receives. Our firm helps families understand what their child may realistically qualify for based on their specific situation.
What happens if my child’s SSI application is denied in New York?
If a child’s SSI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal through the Social Security Administration. This process can include reconsideration and a hearing before an administrative law judge. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we handle appeals by gathering additional medical and school evidence and presenting a stronger case to help correct issues that led to the denial.
How can Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law help with a child’s SSI claim?
We help New York families prepare and file child SSI claims from the start, including collecting medical records, school evaluations, and other evidence that shows how the child’s condition affects daily functioning. If a claim is denied, we represent families through the appeals process and advocate at hearings to help secure the benefits the child may be entitled to under federal law.
