During the past 50 years the incidence of moderate to severe chronic illnesses in children has substantially increased. Poor children have a higher incidence of asthma, mental illness and developmental disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities spend more time with doctors appointments and frequently are unable to maintain full time employment. In order to qualify for the monthly benefit amount of $600 per month parents must supply substantial amounts of documentation.Parents of children with severe chronic illness are 25% less likely to work outside the home.The growth of the program has attracted media and congressional attention. The authors argue that the cost of raising children with severe chronic illnessess calls for expansion of supports not cuts
SSI Program for Children
