• Learn about SSA benefits for childrenChild image by Serenitie from Fotolia.com
  
  Social security is a social insurance program that provides social protection for various individuals, such as the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed and the poor. Children may also receive social security benefits in some cases. However, different states have different benefits. For example, the social security children benefits in Ohio are specific to that state.
  
  

Disability

• If you have a disabled child in Ohio, you may be able to qualify for supplemental security income payments. First, the child must meet the Social Security Department's definition of disabled. To be considered eligible, the child must meet the following requirements: the child cannot be working and earning more than one thousand dollars per month for the year of 2010, the child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions that result in severe functional limitations, and the child's condition must have lasted, or is expected to last at least twelve months or is expected to result in a death. If the child meets all of these requirements, and is younger than eighteen, your child qualifies for supplemental security income payments in Ohio. Your income, as well as the amount of other children you have, will influence the amount of money you receive each month.
  
  

Social Security & Medical Treatment

• If your child qualifies for social security income, the Social Security Department in Ohio will also refer your child to a state health agency---such as Children's Special Health Services or Children's Medical Services and Handicapped Children's Program. Depending upon the severity of your child's condition, he may qualify for either outpatient or inpatient treatment. These programs are managed by the Ohio state agencies.
  
  

Death of a Parent

• Finally, a child may also qualify for social security benefits even if he is not disabled. The death of a parent can qualify a child for social security benefits in certain instances, depending on the family size and the income of the living parent. Although the child cannot receive government payments directly, the payments are made to the individual who has custody or responsibility for the child.