If your child (under 18 years of age) has a condition or conditions which results in “marked and severe functional limitations” for at least 1 year, your child may qualify for supplemental security income, which is administered by the Social Security Agency.  In some instances, the disability may be severe enough to trigger immediate payments. 

Some of the more frequent conditions that may qualify for Supplemental Security Income for a child are: HIV infection; total blindness; total deafness; Cerebral Palsy; Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy;  severe mental retardation; and birth weight below 2 pounds, 10 ounces.

To apply for these benefits for your child, you should contact your nearest social security office or apply online at www.ssa.gov.