If you have qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because of a disability that prevents you from working, your child may also be eligible for monthly cash benefits as a dependent of a disabled parent. These child benefits are known as auxiliary or dependent benefits. The child is known as an auxiliary beneficiary.
Defining the Dependent Child Relationship
For individuals who want to apply for a dependent child to collect auxiliary benefits, you must show that you are disabled and unable to work and that you have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. The SSDI benefits for a dependent child must also meet other qualifications:
- Relationship: The dependent child must be related to you as a biological, adopted, step, grand, or stepgrandchild. You must have legal custody and there must not be any living parents where the grandchildren are concerned.
- Age: The dependent child must be under 18, unmarried, under 19 and a full-time high school student.
- Parentage: Children born to married or unmarried parents are eligible for benefits. If there was never a marriage, the disabled parent must establish parentage to qualify for child benefits.
- Financial standing: The child must be financial dependent on you whether you are the parent or grandparent.
Receiving Disability Benefits for a Disabled Child Based on Your SSDI
The minor child does not have to be disabled to qualify for SSDI benefits through you and your disability. If a dependent is disabled, however, and you want them to receive benefits based on your work history as the disabled parent, there must be proof shown of their disability and the disability needs to have occurred before the age of 22. They must also be unmarried.
Applying for a Dependent’s Benefits
When you apply for SSDI benefits for yourself, you can file for benefits for your child at the same time. The process can also be done separately. Your SSDI lawyer will advise you regarding the best methodology on how to proceed so you have the best chances of receiving the benefits you and your child deserve.
There are several documents you will need to complete the application for Social Security child’s benefits, including:
- Birth certificate (or proof of adoption)
- Proof of United States citizenship (i.e., Social Security card or passport)
- Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns (if the child is of age and had earnings, their tax information will be needed too)
- Proof of the disabled parent’s marriage to the child’s natural or adoptive parent if the request is for a stepchild.
- Proof of the parent’s death if applying for survivor benefits
- Adult Disability Report for a disabled adult child
Get Help Applying for SSDI Benefits for Your Dependent
It’s important to distinguish between SSDI benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Auxiliary benefits are not available for kids based on their parents’ SSI, but only their SSDI. Your disability attorney at Thurswell Law can explain the nuances of SSDI benefits coverage for dependents and aid you in applying appropriately to the Social Security Administration to ensure that you and your family receive all the benefits possible to support your needs.
Schedule a consultation by calling (248) 354-2222 today. We do not charge any fees until we win.