SSDI and SSI benefits may be awarded to adults or children. What happens, though, to those benefits when a young recipient becomes an adult? For example, Angela and her son Kyle have been receiving SSDI and SSI benefits. However, Kyle is about to turn 18. As the day approaches, Angela asks herself, “How will his SSDI and SSI benefits change?” Before we can answer this question, we need to know a little more about Kyle and why he receives SSDI and SSI benefits.
SSDI and SSI Benefits for Children
Children may receive SSDI and/or SSI benefits. However, specific guidelines for children apply:
To receive SSI benefits:
- A child with disabilities must also be low income. At age 18, they may qualify for adult benefits based on their own income. They must also meet the SSA disability requirements.
Children ineligible for SSI may receive SSDI or retirement if they:
- Have a parent who receives SSDI or retirement benefits
- At least one parent is deceased but had enough work credits to qualify for SSDI or retirement.
To receive SSDI benefits, adults who became disabled before age 22:
- May collect disability benefits if a parent is receiving SSDI or retirement.
- May collect if a deceased parent was entitled to SSDI or retirement before passing away.
Two Scenarios for Kyle
Kyle’s SSDI and SSI benefits may continue after age 18. Let’s consider a few ways this may happen:
Kyle has been intellectually challenged since birth. He lives with his mother, who does not work but receives SSDI benefits. The SSA will review Kyle’s medical condition using adult disability rules. Prior to age 18, the income of the entire household will be used to determine Kyle’s low-income status. After age 18, only Kyle’s income is considered. If he gets married, his spouse’s income will be included in calculating his benefits. Since Kyle is disabled, he should be eligible for SSI. Since his mother accumulated enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, Kyle may be eligible to receive SSDI payments also.
Kyle is not disabled at age 18. He lives with his mother, who makes a small income. His father died in an accident when Kyle was 13. Kyle’s father accumulated enough work credits before his death so that Kyle can receive the “child’s” benefit from SSDI based on his father’s work credits. However, since Kyle is not disabled his benefits will be discontinued when he reaches age 18 or until he graduates or reaches age 19, whichever comes first.
We Can Help with SSDI and SSI Benefits.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have helped many clients with Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income cases. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
