SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
The Social Security Act (SSA) provides for many programs that have the "basic objectives of providing for
the material needs of individuals and families, protecting aged and disabled persons against the
expenses of illnesses that could otherwise exhaust their savings, keeping families together, and
giving children the opportunity to grow up in health and security". Programs Include:
- Supplemental Security Income
- Retirement Insurance
- Survivors Insurance
- Disability Insurance
SSI - Supplemental Security Income
SSI is a federal program administered by the SSA. It was provided to provide cash assistance to
individuals who have limited income and resources and are:
- Over age 65
- Blind
- Disabled
SSI assistance is also available it a child is under age 18 and has a physical or mental condition that can be medically
proven and which result in marked and severe functional limitations
or
If the child has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or end in death
After age 18 the adult disability definition applies (the inability to engage in any substantial gainful
activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairments) which can be
expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of
not less that 12 months).
MEDICAID
In most states a child who gets SSI can get Medicaid to help pay medical bills.
SSA Disability
There are three basic categories of people who can receive disability benefits:
- A disabled - insured worker under age 65
- A person disabled before age 22 who is a dependent of a
deceased insured parent or parent entitled to title II disability
or retirement benefits
- A disabled widow or widower age 50 - 60 if the deceased
spouse was insured
- An adult age 18 or older who is disabled
- A child, under 18, who is disabled
Death Benefits
When a child receiving death benefits is adopted, notify SSA with the new name and date
of the adoption decree. The adoption will NOT CAUSE death benefits to end.
For more information about the Adoption Assistance Program please contact AAP Education & Advocacy
Project, Sierra Adoption Services, 1-800-227-8044, legal@sierraadoption.org
