Raising children can be a daunting task. It can be challenging and expensive, especially when the child suffers from a medical condition or disability. Sometimes, parents even must stop working to look after their children. Caring for a disabled child can become extremely difficult for parents.
The Social Security Administration provides benefits to families with children who are suffering from medical disabilities. If your child is under the age of 18 and suffering from a physical or mental health condition, you may consider applying for disability benefits.
The SSA has established specific rules and regulations to qualify for benefits and there are several ways through which children may receive disability benefits. Here are some of the ways through which families with disabled children might consider applying for disability benefits:
1.Low-income disabled children qualify for SSI.
If you have limited resources or income, your child may be eligible for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI). The disabled child can receive SSI benefits until they reach the age of 18.
After your child reaches 18, he or she will need to be re-evaluated for disability benefits as an adult. Families with low-income can receive Disability Benefits For Children. There are two alternative ways for a family whose income is not below the income threshold to obtain benefits. These are discussed below
2.Children who don’t qualify for SSI benefits.
Many families do not meet the SSI criteria but still have limited income and resources. These disabled children may still receive disability benefits if one of their parents receives Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Social Security retirement benefits. The parent(s) of the disabled child must be collecting their own benefits, but the child will be entitled to dependent benefits based on their parents’ records.
3.Adults who have been disabled since childhood.
A child who became disabled before reaching the age of 22 may be entitled to disability benefits. This is sometimes referred to as an “adult child.” To qualify, a parent of the “adult child” must be deceased or in receipt of Social Security Disability Insurance or Social Security retirement benefits. The child must be unmarried, age 18 or older, and have a qualifying disability that began prior to age 22. In many cases, these benefits are extended to adopted or stepchildren and in some cases grandchildren, as well.
SSI Benefits for Disabled Children
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) is available to children who meet the eligibility conditions set by the Social Security Administration. In addition to being under the age of 18, the child must be blind or have a qualifying disability that causes mental or physical impairment resulting in functional limitations that last for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The SSA will also assess the disabled child’s family income to determine if the child meets the SSI income requirements for disability benefits.
When the child turns 18, the child’s disability will be re-evaluated, and the family’s income will not be factored into the application; however, it is possible for the amount of disability benefit to be reduced.
Social Security Dependent Benefits for Disabled Children
Children who don’t qualify for the SSI program on their own record may be eligible for dependent benefits if the parents of a disabled child were entitled to disability benefits. In some cases, the child may even be eligible to a monthly survivor’s benefit provided the child meets qualifying criteria.
If the parents are receiving disability benefits, the disabled child may be eligible for disability benefits. If the disabled child marries, however, disability benefits will be terminated in most cases because the child will no longer be considered a dependent by the Social Security Administration.
Children cannot avail themselves of Social Security Disability Benefits or SSDI. They can either receive SSI or receive dependent benefits based on a qualifying parents record. To be eligible for benefits, the child must be under the age of 18, or under age 22 while enrolled as a full time student, and the child must continue to meet SSA disability criteria to continue receiving disability benefits.
Applying for Disability Benefits with reputed attorneys
If your child is disabled before 18, they may be eligible to receive certain benefits. You can speak to our experienced attorneys at Berke Law Firm, P.A. We are a team of experienced Social Security Disability Lawyer and professionals who will help you and your disabled child receive disability benefits.
