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Childhood Disability Beneficiaries (CDB).

Section 1634(c) of the Social Security Act requires States to consider Title II childhood disability beneficiaries who lose SSI eligibility as if they were still SSI recipients for Medicaid purposes, so long as they would have remained otherwise eligible for SSI benefits but for their entitlement to (or increases in) CDB benefits on or after July 1, 1987. SSA notifies the 1634 States about members of this group through the State Data Exchange (SDX).

Example When a CDB Increase May Be Excluded:

Lucy was receiving Childhood Disability Benefits based on the work record of her stepmother. While the stepmother was alive, Lucy received $500 per month. The stepmother died recently, however, and Lucy’s CDB benefit was raised to the survivor’s benefit level of $750 per month. Regardless of whether or not Lucy is working, it is unearned income that has now made her ineligible for SSI. Because of this, Lucy also is ineligible for Medicaid entitlement through the 1619(b) provision. In Lucy’s situation, the state Medicaid agency must exclude the $250 difference between what Lucy was receiving before her stepmother’s death, and what she currently receives. If Lucy has no other income, she would be eligible for Medicaid. If she has other income, she may or may not be eligible for Medicaid, depending on the type and amount of the income.

Example When the Entire CDB Payment May Be Excluded:

Cindy is 20 and receives SSI. Her mother retired and applied for Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits. Her mother had high earnings, and Cindy’s payment as a Childhood Disability Beneficiary based on her mother’s work will be $600 per month. Since Cindy had no Childhood Disability Benefits before her mother retired, the state must exclude all of Cindy’s CDB benefits when determining her eligibility for Medicaid. If Cindy has other income, it might affect her entitlement to Medicaid.

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FAQ Disclaimer: The VCU-BARC FAQ Pages are general information provided as a public service. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy, interpretations or opinion of the Social Security Administration (SSA). The information contained here is intended to inform readers of issues that may affect Social Security and/or other public assistance benefits. Because individual circumstances differ, the reader should not rely on any information here as being specifically applicable to an individual's situation.