Close your eyes and try to picture someone who receives disability benefits. You probably imagined an adult. However, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not just for adults. Under certain circumstances, children can receive disability benefits, too. In addition to biological children, the term “children” can include:
- Adopted children,
- Dependent stepchildren,
- Dependent grandchildren,
- Disabled children, and
- Adults disabled before age 22.
The Social Security Administration (SSA), which manages SSDI benefits, may approve SSDI benefits for children.
Based on a Parent’s Disability
The children of an SSDI recipient may be eligible to receive SSDI payments also. However, the child’s benefits stop when at age 18 unless the child is disabled. To continue getting SSDI, the SSA would need to review the child’s medical condition. If the child meets the SSA’s definition of disability, SSDI benefits may continue.
Based on a Parent’s Work History
The SSA pays SSDI benefits to people who are disabled and who have also accumulated enough work credits to qualify.
For the purposes of SSDI benefits, children’s benefits are paid to individuals who become disabled before age 22. The SSA calls them “child’s” benefits because the benefits are paid based on the parents’ work records. Before age 22, it is unlikely the individual would have accumulated enough work credits to qualify.
Based on The Child’s Disability
The SSA generally will evaluate the disability of an individual age 18 or older just as they evaluate an adult. If the child is considered disabled, he or she may receive SSDI benefits. Again, though, the payments will be based on a parent’s work credits.
Survivor Benefits
A child may also receive survivor’s benefits if a parent died while receiving SSDI payments.
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance Is Hard, Even for Adults.
The application process can be long and frustrating. It’s important to have someone who knows the system help you right from the start.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ experience in the legal field. Call us at 714-385-8100 to set up a free consultation. Though our office is conveniently located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
