Is my daughter able to get SSI?

What is the name of your state? michigan

I am a single mom. My daughters father has not seen her in 8 yrs. He receives SSI, and I was told that when a parent receives this their minor children were eligible for it also. I work very hard to support my daughter, but it seems like there is never enough money. My question is, since we have not lived with her father in 8 years will she still be eligible for these benefits?

[JETX]

And what did the SSI office say when you filed your application with them???

I have not filed with them yet. Was hoping to not have to waste my time if She isn't even eligible.

[JETX]

Sorry, this is a LEGAL advice forum. If you were having a LEGAL issue in the application, someone might be able to help you. But since you haven't even applied yet, your issue is more of a 'how about' one. And that can only be answered by someone within the SSI process..... and after evaluating ALL of your facts.

Originally posted by michgal
What is the name of your state? michigan

I am a single mom. My daughters father has not seen her in 8 yrs. He receives SSI, and I was told that when a parent receives this their minor children were eligible for it also. I work very hard to support my daughter, but it seems like there is never enough money. My question is, since we have not lived with her father in 8 years will she still be eligible for these benefits?

I assume you mean either regular Social Security Income or Social Security Disability Income and not Supplemental Social Security Income Income (for very low income participants)? Do you receive any CS for your daughter from him? If so, you will need to write this down on application to receive any "minor child" benefits on biodad's regular SSI or SSDI benefits because it may have an impact on either the CS or "minor" benefits. This assumes that a formal court order for CS is already in place. At least that's how it works for disability income benefits. If not, I have no knowledge of how the SSA system works for "minor child" benefit when the child's parents live apart with no CS agreement in place.

Go to [url]www.SSA.gov[/url]. Once there, it's fairly easy to navigate for the specific information you seek.
As stated previously any CS paid by biodad will have an impact.

Then call your local SSA office for more specific information on how to proceed on your end. You'll need your daughter's SSN and likely a birth certificate as proof of her age. I do not know if you will need any of biodad's information. She may be eligible for retroactive benefits based on biodad's date or retirement or disability but you will not know until you call and get more specifc information. You want to be your daughter's "representative payee" of course if any benefits are granted.