Disabled Adult Child Benefits

A disabled child or adult whose income and resources meet Social Security disability guidelines may qualify for benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program. Social Security Disability Insurance benefits also may be available to the disabled adult child under certain circumstances.

Who qualifies as a disabled adult child?

The term "disabled adult child" may appear to be an odd way of referring to a disabled adult, but it has a specific meaning to the Social Security Administration. Social Security regulations define a disabled adult child as being at least 18 years of age, unmarried and with a disability that started before the person was 22 years old.

"Child" for purposes of SSDI eligibility is not limited to biological offspring. It may extend to adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren and, in some instances, even step grandchildren. It should be noted that a person who gets married while receiving benefits as a disabled adult child would generally stop receiving them, but there is an exception when the marriage is to someone who also receives benefits as a disabled adult child.

A person who qualifies as a disabled adult child may be eligible for SSDI benefits through a parent's Social Security work record provided the parent meets one of the following criteria:

Deceased.
Alive and receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
Alive and receiving SSDI benefits.

Someone who qualifies as a disabled adult child may have worked long enough to establish their own work history to be eligible for SSDI benefits. However, the benefit they receive may be higher under their parent's longer history of contributing to the Social Security system.

How does Social Security determine whether a disability qualifies for benefits?

When a person applies for benefits as a disabled adult child, the Social Security conducts the same disability evaluation process as it would for any adult submitting an application for SSDI. This is true even if the applicant received benefits as a dependent through a parent's Social Security record.

Learn more about SSDI benefits for a disabled adult child

Get the information and help you need to take advantage of benefits available to you through Social Security disability by speaking with an experienced Corpus Christi disability attorney. Contact the Law Office of Kathleen L. Day to determine whether you qualify for SSDI benefits as a disabled adult child and for assistance throughout the application process. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, complete our intake form or contact our office at (361) 888-4342.