Social Security does provide SSI disability benefits to certain low birth weight infants, whether or not they are premature. A child who weighs less than 1200 grams (about 2 pounds, 10 ounces) at birth can qualify for SSI on the basis of low birth weight, if otherwise eligible.  A child who weighs between 1200 and 2000 grams at birth (about 4 pounds 6 ounces) AND who is considered small for his or her gestational age may also qualify.  For this second category of low birth weight infants, the following chart shows the gestational age at birth and corresponding birth weight that satisfies the Social Security Administration’s "small for gestational age" criterion.

Gestational Age                   Weight at Birth
(in weeks)
37-40                             Less than 2000 grams                      
                                   (4 pounds, 6 ounces)
 
36                                1875 grams or less                        
                                   (4 pounds, 2 ounces)
 
35                                1700 grams or less                        
                                   (3 pounds, 12 ounces)
 
34                                1500 grams or less                        
                                   (3 pounds, 5 ounces)
 
33                                1325 grams or less                        
                                   (2 pounds, 15 ounces)

Even if a child who was born prematurely does not fall into one of the "low birth weight" categories, he or she may still qualify for SSI if the evidence in his or her record shows that he or she meets the definition of disability for children  for another reason.  Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local office for more information.