What must a child demonstrate to be eligible for disability benefits?

To be eligible for disability benefits under Social Security for children, the requirement centers around meeting or equaling a listed impairment. This means that the child's condition must be severe enough to match one of the impairments specified in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) "Blue Book," which outlines medical criteria for disabilities.

This evaluation involves assessing how the child's impairment affects their ability to function and participate in age-appropriate activities. The SSA focuses on various factors, including the degree of limitation and the impact on the child's overall development.

While the other options present factors that might be associated with disability, they do not directly relate to the specific eligibility criteria for benefits. A physical disability might not be enough on its own if it doesn't meet the SSA's criteria. Having a family history of disabilities does not influence the eligibility assessment, as benefits are granted based on the individual's current condition and its severity. Lastly, income levels pertain to eligibility for other assistance programs but are not a consideration for determining disability benefits for children. Thus, demonstrating that a child meets or equals a listed impairment is the key requirement for obtaining disability benefits.