FOOD SECURITY FOR CHILDREN WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES

Millions of American children experience physical, intellectual, and emotional conditions that necessitate special health-related services. Some of these children live in low-income families and their special health care needs (SHCN) are so severe that they qualify for Supplemental Security Income. Despite this assistance, families with SHCN children are at greater risk of food insecurity than children with similar needs who do not receive SSI and those without SHCN. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is logical given that receiving SSI is associated with significant disability-related expenses that compete with other family needs, like food. A new report suggests several policy changes to alleviate this situation, including partially discounting SSI income when determining SNAP eligibility.

Source: Children’s Health Watch, 8/23/16, Children with Disabilities