A “adult child” is defined as follows for the purposes of Social Security disability benefits:
- a someone who is disabled and over the age of 18
- who become incapacitated prior to attaining the age of 22
- and receives disability payments as a survivor or dependent on a parent’s or guardian’s work record.
To qualify for “child benefits” under a parent or guardian’s employment record for an adult child who was disabled prior to the age of 22, the parent or guardian must meet the following criteria:
- Be defunct
- Benefits from Social Security retirement
- Benefits from Social Security disability
There are a lot of children under the age of 18 that get disability payments, however to continue receiving child benefits after reaching the age of 18, a kid must:
- Meet the criteria for disability under the adult determination guidelines
- If they are 19 years old, they must still be enrolled in elementary or high school.
- Have developed a disability prior to the age of 22
- Being single
Adult disabled children may have a variety of familial ties to the parent or guardian on whose record they receive benefits. Adult children may include the following under certain circumstances:
- Children born to parents Adopted children
- Stepchildren
- Grandchildren
- Step-grandchildren
Additionally, many disabled children can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits upon reaching adulthood. SSI does not require a job history or the presence of a dependent. In other words, disabled children who reach adulthood may still be eligible for some benefits, even if they do not qualify as an adult child due to a parent or guardian’s record.
Adult children may be eligible for SSI payments on their own and also receive supplemental benefits based on their deceased, disabled, or retired parent or guardian’s employment record.