Juvenile arthritis is arthritis diagnosed in children (younger than 16). Formerly it was called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), but today it's usually called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis describes several different types of childhood arthritis:
The various types of juvenile arthritis differ in specific signs and symptoms (including the number of joints affected) and family history. But all juvenile arthritis is caused by an abnormal immune system response that causes the child's body to attack itself—especially the joints.
Children who meet the definition of disabled used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) might be eligible for disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. SSI is a needs-based program, so a child's benefits are dependent on parental income—meaning if you make too much money or have too many assets, your child can qualify as disabled and still not be eligible for benefits.
Children aren't eligible for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits. They can only qualify for SSDI dependents benefits, and only if a parent is eligible for SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits. Learn more about the types of Social Security benefits available for children.
(To learn how to get benefits for an adult, or someone over 18, with arthritis, see our article on getting disability for adults with rheumatoid arthritis.)
Generally, Social Security requires that a child meet the following two criteria to be found disabled.
Social Security will consider a child who meets these two basic requirements "disabled" for SSI benefit purposes.
There are some medical conditions that Social Security has decided can be severe enough to qualify for benefits automatically. The criteria that must be met for automatic approval are detailed in the Blue Book of "impairment listings." Social Security includes a listing for inflammatory arthritis in children.
Inflammatory arthritis includes all of the types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis above. The listing for inflammatory arthritis (listing 114.09) details the medical criteria your child must meet to qualify automatically for disability benefits based on JIA (or JRA).
The listing includes different sets of criteria a child can meet to qualify for disability benefits, depending on the affected body part(s). You must have medical records showing that your child experiences all of the criteria under one of the sets of symptoms. Here are the criteria for the three ways to get approved under listing 114.09.
Your child has ongoing inflammation or the persistent deformity of at least one major joint. That inflammation or deformity affects the child's ability to walk or use one or both hands. Either one of the following sets of conditions can fulfill this requirement:
Children with inflammatory arthritis in their peripheral joints may also have Sjögren's syndrome, gout, or Lyme disease.
Inflammation of the joints and ligaments of the spine that meets one of the following sets of criteria:
If you're unclear about what it takes to show that your child's spinal problems should qualify for SSI benefits, it might be helpful to speak with an attorney. An experienced disability lawyer will be familiar with the specific symptoms and test results needed to meet this listing.
Children who meet this listing can have ankylosing spondylitis or another spondyloarthropathy (inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine). Children with idiopathic arthritis in the spine may also have inflammatory bowel disease or Behcet's disease (a form of vasculitis).
Inflammation or deformity in at least one major peripheral joint (knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, hand-wrist, and ankle-foot) that fulfills both of the following criteria:
Children who have inflammation in a joint that doesn't limit walking or use of the arms and hands might still have serious limitations if they also have constitutional symptoms from systemic arthritis.
If your child's JIA or JRA doesn't meet the requirements of Social Security's listing for inflammatory arthritis, can the child still qualify for disability benefits? Yes, your child can get SSI without meeting a listing if the child has fallen behind other children of the same age in at least one of the following areas:
Specifically, to qualify for disability, Social Security must determine that juvenile arthritis causes your child to have a "marked" limitation in two areas of functioning or an "extreme" limitation in one area of functioning. These are the six areas of functioning (called "domains") that Social Security uses to evaluate a child's disability:
A "marked" limitation is one that seriously interferes with your child's ability to "independently initiate, sustain, or complete activities." An "extreme" limitation is one that very seriously interferes. (Learn more about how a child can functionally equal Social Security's listings.)
To assess the extent of your child's disability, Social Security will complete a Childhood Disability Evaluation form (SSA-538). The SSA will use the evidence in your child's file to complete this form, such as:
A sample of Form SSA-538 is available online. Even though Social Security will complete an SSA-538, if you're working with a disability lawyer or advocate, you should also complete and submit one. A disability attorney can ensure the form is completed correctly and will communicate with your child's educators and doctors, ensuring you have the best evidence to support your child's disability claim.
To apply for disability benefits for your child, you'll first need to notify Social Security that you want to file an SSI application. You can do that by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 or contacting your local Social Security office.
There are also a couple of ways you can let Social Security know you want to file your child's disability application. You can:
Once Social Security is notified that you want to file an SSI application for your child, the agency will schedule an interview with a representative so you can complete the process.
If you're not comfortable filing your child's application yourself, you have the right to get help. A disability lawyer or advocate specializing in children's SSI claims will know how to present your strongest case. Learn more about finding a qualified disability attorney or non-attorney representative.
Updated November 16, 2023
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