SSI is a federal income-assistance program for indigent people who are aged, disabled or blind. The Social Security Administration determines eligibility based on income and assets. For a disabled child, the SSI payment is $436 per month.

Financially, the impact for a low-income or public assistance family is substantial. For instance, a family of three on public assistance might get a net monthly increase of $243. At the same time, state expenditures would actually be reduced.

The Children's Disability Initiative is an inter-agency outreach effort to assure that children potentially eligible for SSI benefits are assisted with the application process. Children are identified through:

• Tape matches between state departments identifying children with impairments.
• Neonatal intensive-care outreach: this pilot project under way in Ingham County expedites the SSI application process and should be expanded to all 15 neonatal intensive care units in the state.
• Review of Medicaid billing information, especially certain diagnoses and/or treatments which may suggest a disabling condition.
• Review of the child welfare population, especially those youngsters in foster care or institutions.
• EPSDT screening by public health departments for children eligible for Medicaid. One assessment is in the area of physical and mental problems.
• Review of IEPC-categorized children. The Individualized Education Planning Committee, required of Michigan schools, plans for every child receiving special education services. Most children with a condition which would qualify them for SSI would require an IEPC.