Citation

Hoagwood KE, Zima BT, Buka SL, Houtrow A, Kelleher KJ. Psychiatr. Serv. 2016; 68(2): 195-198.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/appi.ps.201600118

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:The study examined state variation in rates of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) determinations, allowances, and receipt of benefits for ten selected child mental disabilities in 2013.

METHODS:SSI administrative and U.S. Census Bureau data collected by a multidisciplinary consensus committee convened by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine in 2015 were examined.

RESULTS:Less than 1% of children in 2013 were recipients of SSI for mental disabilities. Determination rates ranged from 1,441 to 251 per 100,000 low-income children, an almost sixfold difference. Allowance rates varied from 16% to 78%, a fivefold difference. Receipt of benefits ranged from.7% to 5.3%, a sevenfold difference.

CONCLUSIONS:Large unexplained discrepancies across states were found in review and receipt of SSI benefits for low-income children with mental disabilities. Inequities that cannot be explained by disability severity or financial need violate the ethos of equitable access to federally entitled services.

Language: en