If your adult child meets the requirements for Social Security benefits, he or she can obtain monthly cash benefits. The type of benefits your disabled child can obtain depends on his or her age and level of disability. Disabled children and teenagers under 18 qualify for Social Security Income (SSI) benefits for their children. Disabled adults can still qualify for “disabled adult child” benefits based on their parents’ income
Contact Las Vegas Social Security Lawyers Today for Disabled Adult Children Benefits
At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we have helped many families obtain disabled adult child benefits. Obtaining benefits can help your family meet your financial needs and improve your quality of life. We will review your claim and advise you of your benefit options. If you qualify, we will help you apply for benefits to help you and your loved ones immensely. Our experienced and friendly lawyers will walk you through the entire process, including the appeals process, if necessary. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits as a Disabled Adult Child
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two benefits programs that provide benefits to disabled adults, namely, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI benefits are available for an adult child who has become disabled after working for a qualifying amount of time. SSDI benefits are not based on the applicants’ financial needs, and there are no income or assets restrictions for applicants. Most young adults have paid enough money into the social security system to qualify for SSDI benefits through their employment.
In some circumstances, an adult child may qualify for SSDI benefits based on their parents’ work credits, however. Unfortunately, doing so is difficult, and there are many hoops an applicant must jump through. Adult children between the ages of 18 and 22 may be eligible for disabled when
- Their parent is deceased
- Their parent began receiving their own SSI or SSDI benefit
The Social Security Administration will consider SSDI payments to be “adult child” benefits. The benefits are paid through the parent’s SSA record, and the adult child will only qualify when the parent has enough work credits to qualify himself or herself for SSDI benefits. Social Security examiners will determine an adult child’s eligibility based on the rules for adult disability benefits. As such, the adult child must meet the following requirements:
- Unmarried
- Age 18 or older
- Has not earned an income over a specified amount
- Has a disability that began before the age of 22
- Has at least one parent who receives SSDI benefits, SSI benefits, or who has died
What Constitutes a Qualifying Medical Condition?
Applicants must show that they have a qualifying medical condition that began before they turned age 22. Doing so is often one of the most challenging parts of the application process. A qualifying medical condition has lasted or is expected by doctors to last at least 12 months. Qualifying medical conditions must render the applicant unable to earn an income higher than the “substantial gainful activity” amount set by Congress. In 2020, the SGA is $2,110 per month for blind individuals and $1,260 for non-blind individuals.
Proving a Medical Condition
At Roeschke Law, LLC Las Vegas, we understand how to submit successful SSDI and SSI applications. We will help you gather all of the medical records and evidence needed to show that your adult child has a qualifying medical condition or disability, including the following documents
- Records from pediatricians
- Records from medical specialists
- Records from a recent, thorough examination
We will help you ensure that your child’s pediatrician documents all of the symptoms and information related to your child’s disability as clearly as possible—the earlier the medical records, the better. Establishing a long history of disability or your child’s medical condition will help you prove that your child meets SSDI benefits requirements. When the adult child and his or her parents meet all of the qualifications mentioned above, the child is likely eligible for SSDI benefits, which are typically higher than SSI benefits.
As parents, your benefits will not be negatively affected should your child qualify for SSDI benefits through your work credit history. It’s also possible that your child may still qualify for SSI benefits depending on the amount of SSDI benefits he or she receives and your child’s income level.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits for Disabled Adult Children
For most disabled adult children, filing for SSI benefits is the best option. Qualifying for SSI benefits is typically more challenging. These benefits are intended to assist blind, elderly (age 65 or older), or disabled individuals with little to no income. Eligible applicants receive cash benefits to help them pay for clothing, shelter, and food. Currently, applicants must show that they earn less than $783 per month individually or $1,175 per month as a couple. An applicant’s “countable resources” cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple. The SSA has a detailed list of what types of income, payments, and assistance constitute an “income” for qualifying. Understanding this process is complicated, and it’s wise to hire an experienced lawyer who can walk you through the process and help you understand which type of benefits for which your child may qualify.
Contact Our Las Vegas Social Security Lawyers Today
Are you the parent of an adult child with a disability? If so, your adult child may be entitled to monthly benefits through the Social Security Administration. The best thing you can do is contact an experienced Las Vegas Social Security lawyer who can walk you through your options and help you file a thorough and accurate application. Contact Roeschke Law, LLC in Las Vegas today to schedule your initial consultation.