SSDI Benefits for Children

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are called a “child’s” benefit because benefits are based on the parents' Social Security earning record. This means that a parent must have worked “on-the-books” and had Social Security deducted from every paycheck. These benefits apply to adult-aged children, not minors under the age of 18. Additionally, children may be eligible for SSDI benefits if their parents are disabled.

Eligibility

• A disabled adult child is eligible for SSDI “child” benefits if he became disabled before he was 22 years old. For the child to qualify, the parent must be either old enough to receive Social Security retirement benefits or already receiving Social Security disability benefits. If the parent is deceased, the child is only eligible if the parent contributed to Social Security from his income during his lifetime. The child will be eligible for SSDI benefits even if the child has never worked or contributed to Social Security.

How to Apply

• A parent can request SSDI benefits for her child by calling 1-800-772-1213. She can also apply in person at her local Social Security Office. Because she is applying for her disabled child, but benefits are through her own Social Security earnings, the parent must provide her Social Security number, as well as her child’s. Specific information about the child’s disability or disabling medical condition must also be provided. The parent should provide copies of any medical records in her possession, as well as any contact information and patient ID numbers from doctors or hospitals, enabling Social Security to obtain additional records. There is normally a five-month waiting period before a person seeking SSDI benefits will receive any payments. However, this period is waived for “child’s” benefits.

Disability

• Social Security has a very strict definition for disability. To receive SSDI benefits, a child must meet the following criteria. The child must be: (1) unable to continue working in his current position or (2) unable to do any other work because of the disability. In addition, medical records must show that the disability is a total impairment and that it occurred before the child turned 22 years old. Lastly, the disability must be expected to last for more than one year or ultimately result in the child’s death.

Auxiliary Benefits

• If a parent is disabled and is receiving SSDI benefits, his children may be eligible for their own benefits, called "auxiliary benefits." Under Section 404.350 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the child's parent can apply for these benefits for his child if: (1) the child is under 18 years old, (2) the child is not married and (3) the child is still considered the parent's dependent. A child who is over 18 may be entitled to benefits if she is still a full-time student.