Understanding Social Security Benefits for Disabled Adult Children Turned 18
Many are unaware that Social Security benefits are not solely reserved for retired individuals or those nearing retirement. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers assistance to disabled adult children who have not worked and have become 18 years of age. These benefits are unique and can provide much-needed support during challenging times.
Can a Disabled Adult Child Collect Social Security Benefits?
Not everyone who is disabled and above 18 can automatically collect Social Security benefits. For this to be possible, a series of conditions must be met:
Disability Determination: The individual must be declared disabled under the SSA's criteria, and the disability must have begun before the age of 22. Parental Eligibility: The parent must be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or be eligible for benefits based on their work record, and they must have been insured for their retirement benefits at the time of their death. Resource Limitation: The disabled individual must have no more than $2,000 in resources to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.How Does the Application Process Work?
Applying for disabled adult child benefits involves using the parent's Social Security number (SSN). The application process is straightforward for disability benefits as long as the parent meets the eligibility criteria. Here are the steps:
Identification of Eligible Parent: The parent must have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI or retirement benefits. Application Submission: The disabled adult child can apply for benefits using the parent's SSN. Review and Approval: The SSA will review the application and make a decision based on the provided information and disability criteria.What if the Parent is Not SS Eligible?
When the parent is not yet eligible for Social Security benefits, the disabled adult child can receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits until the parent becomes eligible. SSI does not require any work credits and is based on financial need.
Career Considerations and Future Support
Even though the disabled adult child can receive benefits from the parent's work record, it is essential to consider long-term economic security. If the disabled individual is not yet eligible, they can still apply for SSI if they are unable to work due to a disability. This application does not require work credits and is based on the severity of the disability.
The parents or guardians should be encouraged to apply for their child's benefits, even if they are not yet eligible for Social Security benefits. This proactive approach can provide financial support for both the parent and the child during challenging times.