In cases of child disability, the parameters for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are a bit different from that of adults, as children don’t have earned time in the workforce.
If you have a child with a disability, it may help to know that you do have options to seek Social Security disability benefits through your own earnings record. Depending on the child disability, SSI payments may be made immediately (in cases of HIV, cerebral palsy, blindness, etc.) or could take up to several months. To learn more about what to expect and how to help your claim for your child’s SSI benefits go as smooth as possible, you may want to enlist the help of an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney.
SSI Benefits for a Child Disability
Your child may be eligible for SSI payments if they:
- Are under 18 years of age
- Have a child disability listed under Social Security’s definitions (and one that severely impacts their mental or physical functioning)
- Have a condition that lasts or is expected to last at least a year
- Earn less than $1,000 a month (if old enough to work)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will also review your income and that of your family when deciding whether your child will qualify for SSI benefits. If your child is found eligible for SSI payments, the amount varies from state to state, so you’ll want to talk to your Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney to determine whether your payments are correct.
SSDI Benefits for a Child Disability
Social Security disability benefits may be available even when your child is older than 18 years of age.
SSDI benefits for a child disability may only be given to someone over the age of 18 in the following circumstances:
- Your child’s disability began before 22 years of age
- You and/or the other parent receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits
- One of the child’s parents are deceased but worked the required amount of time to qualify for Social Security
These particular SSDI benefits are still considered a child’s Social Security disability benefits because they are paid under the parent’s earnings record. As long as your child remains disabled, they will qualify for SSDI payments. One benefit is that even if your adult child never worked, they may qualify for SSDI.
The Social Security disability benefits process is confusing in and of itself-this factor is multiplied when you add a child disability to the mix. By hiring an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney, you can streamline the current application process but you’ll also have built a relationship with an attorney who can continue to act as your child’s advocate.
You’ll need an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney who understands your child’s situation even years down the road, when your child reaches 18 years of age and their eligibility for Social Security disability benefits changes.