If your child has a disability that may prevent him or her from entering the workforce, you're likely concerned about your child's ability to provide his or her own food, housing, and transportation as an adult. You may even be putting money aside to help pay for your child's care when you are no longer able to provide the essentials. However, if you've spent a significant amount of time in the workforce, it is likely that your child can receive Social Security Disability (SSD) payments on your record. Even if you haven't worked the required number of years for your child to qualify for SSD, there may be other options available. Read on to learn more about the benefits your child can receive now, and throughout adulthood.
Does your child qualify for federal disability benefits?
If your 17-year-old or younger child has a disability that prevents him or her from doing normal daily activities (such as feeding him or herself, brushing teeth, or getting dressed) and this disability is expected to be permanent or last at least one year, he or she likely qualifies for one of the disability programs available through the federal government. However, because your child is still a minor, these benefits will be based on your earning record, not your child's. Payments will be made in your child's name, but are available for you to spend toward your child's benefit (such as paying for food, care providers, or utilities).
Your child can receive SSD if:
- You've spent at least 10 years in the workforce;
- During these 10 years, you've worked at least part-time (or full-time with a few years of unemployment).
Your child can receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if:
- You haven't earned the required number of credits for SSD payments; and
- Your household income and assets is below a certain threshold.
SSI is available for any adults (or children of these adults) who have not worked a sufficient amount of time to qualify for SSD. Because these payments are meant to provide a subsistence standard of living, while SSD payments (like Social Security retirement) are based on your earnings record, SSI payments are generally lower than SSD payments.
What if your child is age 18?
Once your child turns 18, he or she may still qualify for disability benefits -- however, these benefits will be based on your child's own earning record, rather than yours. Because it is unlikely any 18-year-old has earned enough wages to qualify for SSD, your child will likely receive SSI instead. For this reason, it's usually better to apply for these benefits before your child reaches age 18.
For more information about social security and disability laws, contact Michael P Boyle.
