For persons with disabilities, just securing Social Security Disability benefits for themselves can be extremely difficult because of the strict rules and requirements the Social Security Administration has in place to prevent fraud. Therefore, for parents with disabilities, ensuring their children receive SSD benefits in addition to their own can be a tough challenge.
How Do SSD Benefits Work for Children of Disabled Parents?
Per the Social Security Administration’s website, biological children, stepchildren, adopted children and, in some cases, grandchildren of persons with disabilities are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. To qualify, the child must be 17 years old or younger and unmarried. Children who are 18 to 19 years old and full-time students (in grade 12 or lower) also qualify. In addition, children who are 18 years old or older and disabled (as long as they became disabled prior to turning 22), are eligible to receive benefits if their parents are disabled. Disabled children from low income households are also eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Even If Your Social Security Disability Benefits Application Is Denied, You Have Options
As Oklahoma Social Security Disability attorney Darren T. Rackley explains in this video, disability benefits applicants are often denied on their first attempt, which means they will have to file an appeal to secure SSDI or SSI.