Obtaining Benefits for Disabled Adult Children

An adult who was disabled before age 22 may be able to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if a parent is receiving retirement benefits, disability benefits or is deceased.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers these benefits as child’s benefits because they are based on a parents earnings record.

There are a few requirements that must be met in order for a disabled adult child to earn benefits. He or she must be:

• Older than 18-years-old
• Have a disability that began before age 22
• Not married
• Have a parent receiving Social Security benefits

An adult child will have to meet the same eligibility standards as any other adult in order to qualify for disability benefits. He or she will have to provide medical evidence of a disabling condition that has lasted for 12 months, that is expected to last at least 12 months and that impairs their ability to work.

Similar to other adults, a disabled adult child cannot have substantial earnings. In 2016, this means they cannot earn more than $1,130 a month.

Already Receiving Benefits?

If an adult child is already receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SSD based on their own record, they should still check to see if benefits may be available based on the parents work record. There may be an opportunity to receive higher benefits.

An adult child who has been disabled since childhood may be able to get insured status on their own record and still be entitled to higher benefits on a parents record.

Social Security Disability benefits are an important lifeline for many. If you have trouble obtaining the financial assistance you need, contact Dayes Law Firm PC. A Social Security disability lawyer from our Phoenix office can walk with you through the entire disability process.

Call 1-800-503-2000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form today.