Disability Benefits for Children of Disabled Persons

In additional to disability benefits available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) for disabled adults, children of disabled adults may also be eligible for monthly benefits in certain circumstances.  Therefore, if you are a disabled parent with minor children, you should contact the SSA in order to check your children’s eligibility for benefits based upon your disability and earnings record.

Disability Coverage for Children of Disabled Parents

If you are a parent and the SSA has determined you to be disabled and entitled to disability benefits, your child(ren) may be eligible for monthly benefits as well.  Biological children, adopted children, or dependent stepchildren may all be eligible for such benefits.  Furthermore, eligible children must be unmarried, under the age of eighteen (18), eighteen (18) to nineteen (19) years of age and still a full-time high school student, or over the age of eighteen (18) and disabled.  Children born during a marriage and those born out of wedlock are both eligible for benefits; however, paternity must be established in the disabled parent in order for a child born out of wedlock to qualify for benefits.  A child meeting one of these qualifications is not eligible for benefits unless his or her parent is also eligible for disability benefits.

A child can receive up to one-half (1/2) of the disabled parent’s disability benefit; however, there are limitations on the total amount of benefits that a family can receive through the SSA.  These limits typically range from 150% to 180% of the disabled parent’s total disability benefit amount. 

Filing a Disability Claim for Children of Disabled Parents

You can file for benefits for your child at the same time that you file for disability benefits for yourself, or you can do so separately.  In order to apply for children’s benefits, you must provide the SSA with the child’s birth certificate, and both the disabled parent’s and child’s social security numbers.  If your child is over the age of eighteen (18), you will also need to provide proof of disability and/or continuing enrollment in high school.

Hiring an Attorney

If you believe that your child is entitled to benefits based on a parent’s disability, you may want to consult an attorney for assistance in filing your claim for benefits.  If the SSA determines that your child is not eligible for benefits, there are several levels of appeal that you can utilize.  An experienced disability attorney can assist you in navigating the appeals process, as well as advising you of all benefits that may be available for your child.