Social Security Disability Benefits for Children
When you think of Social Security, you probably think of older adults at the end of their working careers. But children may also qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if their parent is disabled and cannot work.
It is important not to overlook this source of income if you have become disabled. At Hardison & Cochran, our lawyers know that most SSD benefits recipients need access to the full scope of the Social Security Disability Insurance program. We’ll fight to make sure you and your family obtain all of the benefits you deserve.
Contact us today for a free review of your eligibility to receive Social Security Disability benefits. Our attorneys help families throughout North Carolina. You only pay for our services if we obtain the benefits you are seeking.
SSD’s Program of Children’s Benefits
If you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, your children may qualify for payments as well. In addition to benefits to a disabled worker’s spouse, the Social Security Administration pays monetary benefits to:
- An SSD recipient’s unmarried child, including an adopted child or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. The child must be younger than age 18 or younger than 19 if in elementary or secondary school full-time. (Note that benefits are not extended to college students age 18 or older.)
- An SSD recipient’s unmarried child who is age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration that started before age 22.
A child or multiple children may receive benefits equivalent to as much as 50 percent of the parent’s disability payment. A disabled child under age 18 may also obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
However, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be paid to your family as a whole. The family maximum payment is calculated from the total of the benefits going to each family member, and may be set at 150 to 180 percent of the disabled parent’s full benefit. If the total payment to all family members exceeds this limit, each person’s SSD benefit will be reduced proportionately (except the disabled parent’s) until the total meets the maximum allowed.
Applying for children’s SSD benefits requires you to present the child’s birth certificate and Social Security number, as well as your Social Security number. If you are applying for benefits for a disabled child, you will be required to furnish medical evidence to prove the child’s disability. Other documents may be necessary as well, depending on circumstances.
At Hardison & Cochran, our SSD benefits attorneys want to help you maximize the amount of your and your family’s full Social Security benefit. The family maximum does not affect your SSD benefit but it may affect other Social Security income, such as the spousal benefit paid to the partner of a retired Social Security recipient. The impact of the family maximum should be considered as a part of your family’s overall financial planning.
Let Us Help You Obtain Children’s SSD Benefits
Unfortunately, obtaining Social Security Disability benefits for children is not automatic for an SSD recipient who has children. It requires a separate application, in addition to familiarity with the program. It is dependent on the Social Security Administration processing the application correctly. As with other stages of your SSD benefits claim, it is crucial to have skilled and experienced legal assistance to ensure your family receives the full benefit you and your loved ones deserve.
If you have children who are eligible for SSD benefits, Hardison & Cochran will work to get your benefit approved without delay and fight any obstacles that arise. You won’t pay for our services until you obtain the benefits you have coming to you.
Contact us today to learn more. We’ll review your case for free.
