Can You Receive SSDI Benefits For An Adult Child?

Some children have disabilities their entire lives. As they grow into adulthood, if an Ohio parent or guardian still cares for them, can they continue to receive benefits? Normally, a child stops receiving benefits at the age of 18. If he or she is still a full time student in elementary or high school, these benefits may extend.

According to the SSA, if an adult has a disability before the age of 22, then he or she may be eligible for child’s benefits under the parent’s Social Security earnings record. In this case, the child must have a disability that began before the age of 22 and be a child, stepchild or grandchild of the adult receiving benefits. He or she must also meet the definition for having a disability.

The child does not have to work because this is not reliant on the child’s benefits. The benefits come from the parents’ earnings record. Now, in addition, the adult child must not have substantial earnings of his or her own. This means that he or she should not be working or earning more than $1220 a month.

Like any adult, the Social Security Administration will evaluate the disability as they would with any adult. If the child is already receiving benefits on his or her own record, he or she may still benefit from looking into benefits on his or her parents’ record. The benefits may be higher. Now, when a child marries, the benefits may end.

None of the above information is intended to be legal advice. It is for educational purposes only.