Social security disability funds provide assistance for individuals unable to provide their income due to a severe or debilitating medical condition.
Many commonly believe that adults are the only recipients of SSDI, but children are eligible for benefits if they meet certain qualifications. Families typically incur additional expenses when providing the necessary therapies, medication or resources to increase a child’s functioning or development.
Qualifications for children
Developmental delays in children are possible conditions eligible for Supplemental Security Income. Cerebral palsy, intellectual disorder and learning disabilities are some of these conditions. However, as children age and move into their teenage years, their conditions might restrict participation in learning environments or work environments. Although there are income and asset restrictions in place, approval is a possibility, and given the parent’s work history, SSDI is another possibility.
SSDI approval
Certain members of a family are eligible for distribution of SSDI based on a working member’s credits. Those potentially eligible include:
- Spouse
- Adult child disabled before age 22
- Children
- Divorced spouse
Dependent children under the age of 18 with a disability may qualify to receive benefits on the parent’s account. However, these benefits typically stop when the individual reaches the age of 18. Exceptions for continued receipt of funds include having a qualifying disability or the individual’s full-time enrollment in elementary or high school.
Disability diagnosis before age 22 is what influences eligibility for SSDI once the parent starts receiving disability or retirement benefits or upon the parent’s death. Given these requirements, it is possible for a disabled child to benefit from a parent’s SSDI benefits distribution.
