Disabled Adult Child

Disabled children may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits through a parent’s work record, but those benefits generally stop when the child is 18 years old. However, a child at age 18 or older may qualify as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) and continue to receive SSDI benefits based on the work record of a parent rather than on their own record.

What are the requirements to be a Disabled Adult Child for SSDI?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates whether a personal qualifies as a Disabled Adult Child by applying the following standards:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• The person cannot be married or previously married.
• There must be medical evidence establishing the presence of a disability existing before the person was 22 years old.
• At least one of the parents of the applicant either currently receives SSDI or Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or the parent who was eligible to receive such benefits is now deceased.

A person who qualifies as a Disabled Adult Child may receive benefits even though not living with the parent whose work record benefits are based on.

Medical requirements to qualify as a Disabled Adult Child

Do not let the use of the term “child” confuse you about the standards used to determine whether a person qualifies for benefits. There are two definitions or standards that Social Security uses when reviewing an application for SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to determine if the claimant has a qualifying disability. One is for adults and the other is for children.

When someone applies for SSDI benefits as a Disabled Adult Child, they must meet the adult definition, which requires the following:

• The applicant must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity because of a medically determinable mental or physical impairment.
• The impairment must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous 12 months or result in death.

A person who meets the medical and non-medical requirements to be a Disabled Adult Child can receive a benefit amount that is about one-half of the monthly benefit their parent receives. If the parent is deceased, the Disabled Adult Child may receive 75% of the parent’s benefit.

A few things to know about Adult Disabled Child benefits

If a person receiving Adult Disabled Child benefits gets married, the benefits end unless the person has their own work record and qualifies for SSDI benefits through it. It is possible for a person to qualify for benefits as an Adult Disabled Child and also be eligible for SSI benefits. Check with a disability lawyer at Disability Partners, PLLC, for more information.

Get help from a disability lawyer with Disabled Adult Child benefits

If you believe that you or your child may be entitled to Disabled Adult Child benefits, there is too much at stake to not at least get sound legal advice and assistance from a disability benefits lawyer at Disability Partners, PLLC. We have the knowledge and years of hands-on experience to guide you through the application and appeals process. Contact us today for a free claim evaluation and consultation.