People who receive government assistance often live with other family members, including children. Parents may receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to a disability that prevents them from working. They may or may not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) depending on their resources and income. Even with government benefits, it can be tough to make ends meet, particularly if children live in the house. However, benefits for children of SSDI and SSI recipients is available in some cases.
Which Children May Be Eligible for SSDI and SSI?
In addition to other family members – like a spouse or divorced spouse – SSDI recipients may pave the way for their children to receive benefits also including:
- Biological children,
- Adopted children,
- Dependent stepchildren,
- Dependent grandchildren,
- Disabled children, and
- Adult children disabled before age 22.
You may be wondering how children can qualify for SSDI since benefit recipients have to satisfy medical and work conditions. Children may receive SSDI benefits based on the work record of their disabled parent.
As for SSI, children may qualify from age birth to age 18. Eligibility is based on the household income, including the child’s parents.
How Long Can Children Receive SSDI and SSI Benefits?
If the child is receiving benefits based on a parent’s benefits, then SSDI benefits stop when the child reaches age 18 unless they are disabled. Children who are still enrolled in school full time can receive benefits until they graduate or until two months after celebrating their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. A disabled child under age 18 qualifies for SSDI under a parent’s account until no longer eligible. If still disabled, the child can apply for SSDI benefits based on his or her disability.
For example, Wendy receives SSDI benefits because her disability prevents her from working. Wendy’s son, Ron, was receiving SSDI benefits also. However, he celebrated his 19th birthday in May. In June, he graduated from high school. Between his age and his school graduation, he was no longer eligible for SSDI. Wendy’s other son, Carl, is unable to work due to a congenital disability. He receives SSDI benefits until age 19, then applies for SSDI based on his on disability.
Children who receive SSI based on disability may still continue receiving SSI until age 18 unless the household income exceeds SSI’s limits. At age 18, the Social Security Administration evaluates the child’s disabilities using adult disability standards.
Need Help Applying for Benefits?
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ legal experience, much of it involving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims. They can help you with your application and any appeals that might be needed.
Call us at 714-385-8100 for a free consultation. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
