Claimant was able to take care of his personal needs and it was the conclusion of the vocational expert at the hearing that Arthur could only do sedentary work, and with his neuropathy was limited so severely that there were no jobs present in the national economy that he could perform. Interestingly enough, the vision problem was not present, and benefits were still granted. For the years from birth to age 18, the SSI program covers disabled children who cannot work, and who suffer from a condition that would disable an adult. The standards are substantially the same, but there are no requirements that the claimant has worked at any time before filing. If the disability is severe enough under diabetes or any of the juvenile onset complications, parents my apply at any age.
Benefits can continue for life if the disability is severe.
Diabetic children under 18, or any adult who cannot meet the requirements for regular disability my still qualify under SSI Title 16 benefits. People over 18 are adults for Social Security purposes. If yes, claim is approved. If no, go on to Step 4. The amount of benefits for a child who has never worked is determined by the parents' benefit account, and it varies.