We are very fortunate that Social Security considers a person of 22 years old as a child. Otherwise, it would be more difficult for those who are of age but are having a hard time adjusting to the responsibilities and obligations of adulthood. It is also fortunate for those who are, even though just starting in life, already falling on hard times.

For Social Security Income (SSI), a child is somebody who is under 18 years old and not married or a head of the family. A 22 year old person is also considered a child with the added qualification that he or she is a student who is regularly attending school.

If a person qualifies as a child under SSI Rules, he or she may be eligible for SSI benefits if the child is either blind or disabled.

A child below 18 is considered disabled if he or she has mental or physical impairment which: (1) Results in marked and severe functional limitations; (2) May reasonably result in death; or (3) Has lasted or expected to last for a period of not less than 12 months.

On the other hand, a child who is 18 or older is considered disabled if the child has mental or physical impairment which: (1) Results in the incapacity to engage in any substantial gainful employment; (2) May reasonably result in death; or (3) Has lasted or expected o last for at least 12 months.

Similarly, blindness to be a disability under the SSI means statutory blindness. A person is considered blind for purposes of being eligible for SSI benefit when: (1) the child or adult has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye even while wearing eye glasses or contact lens; or (2) the child or adult has limited field of vision in the better eye in that the child or adult has a contraction of peripheral visual fields to 10 degrees from the point of fixation or the widest diameter of the child's or adult's visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees.

Other than SSI benefits, a child of 22 years of age can also get Medicaid in some states. The reason is that, even though the child is already getting SSI benefits, the child might be in need of Medicaid as well to help pay the child's medical bills.

If the child is deemed eligible for Medicaid as well, the state has the option to live at home and still keep Medicaid if this will be less costly than having the child in an institution-level care and getting Medicaid also.

If you are a child of 22 and below and is in need of SSI benefits, do not hesitate to contact your local Social Security Office for more information or ask the help of an attorney to assist you in your application.