Listing code
101.24
Children (Part B)
Body system
101.00
Musculoskeletal disorders (children)
Subsections
2
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Musculoskeletal disorders of infants and toddlers, from birth to attainment of age 3, with developmental motor delay (see 101.00O ), documented by A or B:
Subsection A
A standardized developmental motor assessment that: 1. Shows motor development not more than one-half of the level typically expected for the child’s age; or 2. Results in a valid score that is at least three standard deviations below the mean. OR
- Shows motor development not more than one-half of the level typically expected for the child’s age; or
- Results in a valid score that is at least three standard deviations below the mean. OR
Subsection B
Two narrative developmental reports that: 1. Are dated at least 120 days apart; and 2. Indicate current motor development not more than one-half of the level typically expected for the child’s age. Support Contact us Find an office Forms Publications Report fraud Languages Español Other languages Plain language Services for Employers & businesses Government agencies Other groups Representatives About Careers Chief actuary data Communications Financial reports Initiatives Research & policy Social Security Administration <path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15 30c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15 0-8.284-6.716-15-15-15C6.716 0 0 6.716 0 15c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15Zm-7.227-7.5h3.42V11.484h-3.42V22.5ZM
- Are dated at least 120 days apart; and
- Indicate current motor development not more than one-half of the level typically expected for the child’s age. Support Contact us Find an office Forms Publications Report fraud Languages Español Other languages Plain language Services for Employers & businesses Government agencies Other groups Representatives About Careers Chief actuary data Communications Financial reports Initiatives Research & policy Social Security Administration <path fill-rule="evenodd" d="M15 30c8.284 0 15-6.716 15-15 0-8.284-6.716-15-15-15C6.716 0 0 6.716 0 15c0 8.284 6.716 15 15 15Zm-7.227-7.5h3.42V11.484h-3.42V22.5ZM
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 101.24. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 101.24 usually fail
One pitfall is using only a single developmental narrative report instead of two narrative reports for criterion B, or not meeting the 'dated at least 120 days apart' requirement. Another pitfall is having a report that does not clearly state current motor development is not more than one-half of what is expected for the child's age. A third pitfall is assuming that any 'motor delay' label automatically meets the quantitative threshold, without showing the 'not more than one-half' level or the alternative standardized-score requirement of 'at least three standard deviations below the mean.' A fourth pitfall is submitting information about musculoskeletal problems without documentation focused on developmental motor assessment results for birth through attainment of age 3.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
For criterion A, documentation needs a standardized developmental motor assessment that demonstrates motor development not more than one-half of the level typically expected for the child's age, or that provides a valid score at least three standard deviations below the mean. For criterion B, documentation needs two narrative developmental reports that are dated at least 120 days apart and that indicate current motor development not more than one-half of the level typically expected for the child's age. Evidence should be dated, because the spacing between reports (120 days apart) is part of the required structure for criterion B.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the child does not meet 101.24's specific motor-delay documentation requirements, the process moves to the next steps for deciding disability based on the child's overall functioning. SSA weighs the child's residual functional capacity and the combined effects of the impairment(s) on the ability to function day to day, not only whether a specific listing threshold was met. Some claims that miss a listing at this point may still be approved later if the child's limitations are severe enough when considered in full.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
This listing is written for children from birth through attainment of age 3, so the focus is on whether developmental motor delay is documented to the required level in criterion A or criterion B. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, the decision process still begins with whether the child can do substantial gainful activity (SGA); the availability of sustained work-like activity is generally not the focus for infants and toddlers, but the SGA step still applies in the sequential evaluation. If approved, eligibility continues through the program rules for an approved child claim, which include rules for continuing eligibility after the initial decision.
Listing 101.24 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for musculoskeletal disorders of infants and toddlers, from birth to attainment of age 3, with developmental motor delay disability claims.