Obtaining Social Security Income Disability Benefits for Adult Children
So your child is now an adult and disabled. Is there any way that you can secure help to care for him? Are there any programs out there that cater to this category of disabled Americans? Yes there is! The government funded program Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be able to provide a monthly stipend for your disabled adult child. In determining your child’s eligibility the following factors are considered.
Condition of Parents
The first criterion that must be met is directly related to the condition of the parents. The program is so designed, because the benefits paid to your disabled child are paid on your Social Security earnings record. As such, for your disabled adult child to be deemed eligible for this ‘child’ benefit, at least one parent must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or must have become deceased after having worked for some length of time under Social Security. In addition, your child must have been listed as a dependent on your Social Security earnings record before attaining the age of 18 years.
When Did the Disability Occur?
According to the provisions made under the Social Security act and the Supplemental Security Income act, your child needs to have been disabled sometime before his 22nd birthday in order to qualify for the assistance.
How Disabled is Disabled?
Your disabled adult child also has to satisfy the stipulations outlined in the Social Security’s definition of a ‘disabled adult’. According to Social Security’s criteria, an adult is considered disabled when he has suffered an impairment that prevents him from performing work related tasks that he previously performed. This impairment must also be such that it prevents him from doing any other form of work. Additionally, the impairment must be expected to last for at least one year, or result in death.
If your child meets these criteria then you may go ahead and apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits for him. When applying you will need to be able to provide detailed information with regards to the disability and how it impairs your child’s ability to function. You will also need to be able to provide comprehensive information on his medical history as well as supply adequate information pertaining to all your child’s caregivers.
It must be noted that once your disabled adult child has been awarded benefits, the payments continue for the entire duration of the disability. In addition, your child does not need to have a prior work history in order to be eligible for benefits under the program.