Advocacy Bridge is with you at every step. As your authorized non-attorney representative with the Social Security Administration, we handle communication, documentation, and preparation on your behalf — so you can focus on your child. Click any step below to learn more.
What We Look At
SSI for children has two main tests: a medical test (does your child have a qualifying disability?) and a financial test (does your household meet income and resource limits?).
Your child must be under 18, a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen, and have a medically determinable impairment causing marked and severe functional limitations.
Eligibility Checklist
- Child is under age 18
- Child has a diagnosed disability or condition
- Disability severely limits daily functioning
- Condition has lasted (or is expected to last) 12+ months
- Household income is within SSA limits
- Household resources are within SSA limits
Advocacy Bridge Tip: Even if you're unsure about income limits, reach out to us. SSA uses a special formula called "deeming" for parental income, and many families who think they don't qualify actually do. We'll walk through the numbers with you at no cost.
Medical Records
- Diagnosis letters from doctors or specialists
- Treatment history and ongoing care notes
- Therapy records (speech, OT, PT, behavioral)
- Hospitalization or ER records if applicable
- Medication lists and prescription records
- Psychological or neuropsychological evaluations
School & Financial Records
- IEP (Individualized Education Program) documents
- 504 Plan accommodations
- Teacher observations and report cards
- School psychological evaluations
- Parent/household income documentation
- Child's birth certificate and Social Security card
We handle this for you. Advocacy Bridge contacts your child's doctors, therapists, and school on your behalf to request and organize all records. We know exactly what SSA needs — and how to present it most effectively.
How to Apply
SSI applications can be filed by phone, in person at a local SSA office, or online. We recommend calling SSA at 984-277-3150 to set up an appointment — or let us make that call for you.
Key forms include the SSI Child Disability Report (SSA-3820) and the Child Function Report (SSA-3375), documenting how the disability affects your child's daily life.
What Happens at Filing
- SSA records the official application date (protects your back-pay start date)
- You receive a receipt and case reference number
- SSA may schedule a phone interview
- Case is assigned to your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS)
- Advocacy Bridge files our representation paperwork with SSA
Protect Your Filing Date. SSI back pay can only go back to the date you filed — not the date your child's disability began. File as soon as possible, even if documentation isn't 100% complete. We can supplement records after filing.
What DDS Does
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in your state reviews all medical evidence and makes the disability decision. A DDS examiner and medical consultant evaluate your child's records together.
DDS may request additional records from your child's providers or schedule a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they select.
SSA's Evaluation Framework for Children
- Does the child have a severe impairment?
- Does the condition meet or equal a Listing?
- "Marked" limitation in 2 domains, or "extreme" limitation in 1?
- Domains evaluated: acquiring/using info, attending tasks, interacting socially, moving/manipulating objects, self-care, health/well-being
Advocacy Bridge monitors your case throughout this stage. If DDS requests more records or schedules a consultative exam, we respond promptly and prepare you for what to expect. We also submit supplemental evidence to strengthen your child's case.
If Approved 🎉
SSA sends an award letter explaining the monthly benefit amount and any back pay owed. Payments typically begin within 30–60 days. Advocacy Bridge will review the notice with you to confirm all amounts are correct.
If Denied ✋
Don't give up — denial is very common at the initial stage. Most successful SSI cases require at least one appeal. The denial notice explains the reason, and you have 60 days to file a Reconsideration appeal.
Advocacy Bridge will analyze the denial, identify what additional evidence is needed, and guide you through the appeal process immediately.
Statistically speaking: Many initial claims are denied — but approval rates increase significantly with proper representation and a well-documented appeal. Advocacy Bridge's role becomes even more critical after a denial.
The Four Appeal Levels
- Reconsideration — A different DDS examiner reviews the full record. Must be filed within 60 days of denial.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing — Present your case in person, by phone, or video to an SSA judge. Often the most successful level.
- Appeals Council Review — The SSA Appeals Council reviews whether the ALJ made legal errors.
- Federal Court — A licensed attorney is required at this stage. We connect families with qualified attorneys.
How We Help During Appeals
- File appeal paperwork on time
- Obtain updated medical records and letters
- Draft a detailed written statement for DDS reconsideration
- Prepare you and attend ALJ hearings as your representative
- Connect you with attorneys for federal court if needed
Time is critical. You have exactly 60 days (plus 5 days for mail) to file each level of appeal. Missing this deadline typically means starting the entire process over. Contact Advocacy Bridge immediately after any denial notice.
Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)
SSA periodically reviews your child's case to confirm they still meet disability criteria — typically every 1, 3, or 6 years depending on the condition.
At age 18, your child must go through a full redetermination under adult SSI rules — essentially a new evaluation called an "age-18 redetermination."
What You Must Report to SSA
- Changes in household income or resources
- Change in address or living situation
- Child's condition improves significantly
- Child enters or leaves an institution
- Changes in school attendance or IEP status
- Child receives any other income or inheritances
Stay proactive. Overpayments can occur if SSA is not notified of changes promptly. Advocacy Bridge can help you understand your reporting obligations and respond to CDR notices so your child's benefits remain uninterrupted.
Ready to Start Your Child's SSI Journey?
Advocacy Bridge guides families through every step — from the first phone call to ongoing benefit support. You don't have to figure this out alone.