Do Your Children Qualify for Social Security Benefits?

Social Security isn’t just for adults. Your children may be eligible for child social security benefits based on certain conditions. So, let us at Social Security Disability Advocates break down some of the basics for you.

Social Security Disability Insurance

If you become disabled and are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your child may be eligible for benefits, too. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers biological children, adopted children, and dependent step-children to be children of a disabled individual. Generally, children must be younger than 18 years old. Your children must also have a valid birth certificate and social security number. Grandchildren and step-grandchildren may also qualify, but only if 1) their parents are no longer living, 2) they have lived with you for 12 months (or if under a year old, their whole lives), and 3) you provide at least half of their financial support.

The amount of SSDI benefits your children receive is dependent on how much you receive in SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration puts a family limit of approximately 150% – 180% of your SSDI benefits. This means that if, for example, your family limit were 150% and you have two children, each child would receive 25% of your benefit. This is because you still receive 100% of your benefit, and both children receiving 25% make up the remaining 50%.

Your children will generally stop receiving benefits the month before they turn 18, unless they are still in high school. In that case, they will stop receiving benefits after they graduate or two months after they turn 19. If your child became disabled before age 22, they may continue receiving benefits indefinitely under some conditions.

Supplemental Security Income

Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be given only to individuals who make little to no income and are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI benefits cannot do not apply to a child based on a parent’s disability status. However, if the child suffers from a disability and makes little to no income, they may be eligible for SSI. The amount of SSI given varies state to state, so visit your local Social Security office for more exact information regarding payment. For 2019, children must meet the following requirements to qualify under the disability definition, and therefore be eligible for SSI:

•         A child who is not blind must not earn more than $1,220 a month. A child who is blind must not earn more than $2,040 a month (these earning change annually)
•         The child must have a physical condition, mental condition, or a combined physical and mental condition that result in “marked and severe functional limitations.” In other words, the child’s disability must severely limit their activities.
•         The child’s condition must have been disabling, or expected to be disabling for a minimum of 12 months, or the condition must be expected to result in death.

When applying for SSI for your child, you will need information such as school records, medical records, and other such documents that give information about your child’s disability.

Still Have Questions About Child Social Security Benefits?

Contact Social Security Disability Advocates today! We work hard for you, and we are always available to answer your questions. Give us a call anytime at 602-952-3200. If you prefer to contact us online, visit our website and check out our LiveChat feature.

This is attorney advertising. SSDA, LLC is a group of attorneys that pursues claims for Social Security Disability benefits on behalf of its clients against the Social Security Administration. SSDA, LLC is in no way a part of the Social Security Administration. Further, the information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a representative-client relationship.