Disabled Adult Child Benefits

Parents who have children with disabilities typically handle myriad obstacles that many others don’t have to face. The responsibilities associated with caring for a disabled child often continue into their adult life because of their lack of mental or physical capacity to live on their own.

However, they may have to take care of themselves someday, When this time comes, Disabled Adult Children (DAC) benefits can help disabled children transition into independent living.

A disabled adult child is someone who became disabled before the age of 22 and is eligible to receive disability benefits. To receive benefits, a person must be unable to participate in a substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least one year and be at least 18 years or older and unmarried.

An individual must also have a parent who is either deceased, receiving Social Security retirement benefits, or receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits in order to qualify. A disabled adult child may also be eligible under their own work history, but they can usually earn more from SSD payments because an individual under the age of 22 typically does not have enough employment credits to qualify for this program.

The relationship between a disabled adult child and their guardian can be that of a biological parent, an adopted parent, a grandparent, or even a step-grandparent. As long as that parent or grandparent is their legal guardian, a disabled adult child can qualify for SSD benefits. DAC benefit payments can be as little as 50 percent of their guardian’s primary insurance amount if they are living, and up to 75 percent thereof if they are deceased.

If you or your loved one would like to pursue Disabled Adult Child benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced lawyers at The Khaki Law Firm. With our years of experience working with Social Security and Disability, we can help you navigate this complex process.