Disability benefits are normally available to people who can no longer work because of an injury or illness. But, what happens when children are involved? Through no fault of their own, children have no work history, which is a qualification for disability eligibility. But, under certain circumstances, children can receive disability benefits. . Keep reading to learn more about the three ways in which a child can receive disability benefits.

 

Low Income

Disabled children in low-income families can collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits until they turn 18. At that point they may be eligible to collect adult SSI benefits. Children who fall into this category may also be eligible for Medicaid.

 

Children who do not qualify for SSI

SSI benefits are granted based on income level. Children who are in families that do not meet the low-income threshold and have not yet turned 18 and have a parent who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Security retirement benefits (or qualifies to do so) can continue receiving these benefits based on the parent’s record, upon the death of the parent, regardless of if they are disabled or not. This qualification extends to children who are 19 and enrolled as a full-time student.

 

Adults who Have Been Disabled Since Childhood

If a person becomes disabled before turning 22 years old but is currently over the age of 18, he or she can collect SSDI or retirement benefits if a parent is collecting either SSDI or retirement benefits, or has a parent who was entitled to either of these benefits but is deceased.

 

Eligible Children

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers any of the following people to be children who may be eligible for benefits:

 

– Natural children

– Adopted Children

– Stepchildren

– Grandchildren, if there is no living parent

– Stepgrandchildren, if there is no living parent.

How Long Will Benefits Last

 

In most cases, children can receive disability benefits until the month before their 18th birthday. If the child is a full-time student, the benefit ends upon graduation from high school, or two months after their 19th birthday, whichever comes first. If a child is disabled, with a condition that happened before the age of 22, the benefit can continue in perpetuity.

 

Applying for Disability Benefits for a Child

To apply for disability benefits for a child, follow these steps:

– Complete an application for Social Security Disability

– Complete a Child Disability Report

– Review the Child Disability Starter Kit

– Contact the SSA to confirm eligibility

If you have questions about children receiving disability benefits, contact London Eligibility today. We can help you.