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Service Eligibility
Supplemental Security Income
Is your child eligible for supplemental security income (SSI)? Here are some things you, as a parent should know. If your child has a physical or mental disability that keeps him or her from doing things that they should be doing at their age, your child is available for SSI. Nationwide, there are 900,000 disabled children receiving SSI benefits. Approximately 3,000 children receive SSI payments with an average of $435 per month.
These benefits are paid by the supplemental security income program to disabled children whose conditions are expected to last more that a year or result in death. SSI, a cash assistance program where eligibility is based on financial need, provides monthly payments to people who have low income and few assets. Although this program is run by the social security administration, the payments are financed by the general revenue funds not from social security taxes.
To find out more on how you can apply for supplemental security income, click on to www.ssa.gov/odhome .
Vocational Rehabilitation
Another benefit that you as parents have an option to use for your child is vocational rehabilitation. VR services are defined as any services, described in an IEP, which are necessary to assist an individual with a disability in "preparing for, securing, retaining, or regaining an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice of the individual. The VR agency is to ensure that all necessary services to equip the choice of the individual. The services available through each state's vocational rehabilitation system can play a critical role in assisting people with disabilities to enter the work force.
To receive these services your child must show a mental, physical, or learning disability that interferes with the ability to work. The disability does not need to be so severe as to qualify your child for supplemental security income benefits. To learn more information and how you can apply for VR click on to www.nls.org/vrbook.html .