Social Security Administration

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency that administers Social Security programs including disability insurance, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For foster, adoptive, and kinship families, SSA is a key resource for navigating benefits eligibility for children with disabilities or special needs, understanding SSI for children in care, and accessing survivor benefits for children who have lost a parent — all of which can be relevant to child welfare and post-permanency support.