At the right age, an older person starts to receive Social Security retirement benefits. But the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not limited to this type of benefit. In fact, many adults of working age receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or both. What about the younger members of society? Can they qualify for childhood disability benefits? Yes, in fact, there are three specific ways to do this.
Qualifying Disability That Occurs Before Age 22
Typically, SSDI recipients must have earned a certain number of work credits. SSI beneficiaries don’t need work credits but do need to meet income-based requirements. What does this mean for a young person who needs disability benefits?
Adults whose disability started before they reached age 22 may be eligible for SSDI based on a parent’s earnings.
To qualify for SSI benefits, the child:
- cannot be earning over the current monthly income limit,
- must have a disorder that causes severe functional limitations,
- must meet income requirements where the entire household’s income is counted.
Parents or guardians of children with disabilities should speak with a disability lawyer to check for other benefits.
Qualifying Through a Parent Who Receives Social Security Benefits
For a disabled adult to receive a “child’s” SSDI disability benefit, he or she must meet one of the following conditions:
- At least one parent receives Social Security disability or retirement benefits, or
- At least one parent is deceased but earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.
Qualifying Through a Deceased Parent
Childhood disability payments might be paid to a child or adult based on a deceased parent’s Social Security status. In fact, adult children may receive up to 75% of a deceased parent’s disability benefit under certain circumstances.
If Your Claim Was Denied, You Are Not Alone
Other requirements must be met when applying for childhood disability benefits. In some cases, the ‘child’ must be unmarried or a full-time student. Sometimes stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and adopted children may apply for and receive childhood disability benefits.
Many first-time claims are denied. When going through the application process, it helps to have someone in your corner. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have the experience and ability to take on your case. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. We assist clients throughout Southern California from our home office in Anaheim.
