Most people in Florida know that if they should ever become disabled, they may have the ability to qualify for and receive financial benefits through the Social Security Administration. However, it is important to know that one person’s Social Security records may also qualify a family member to receive financial benefits. One example of a situation in which this may happen is if you have a child who is over the age of 18 and who is disabled.
As explained by the Social Security Administration, there are some requirements your child must meet in order to be approved to receive Social Security Disability based on your work record. One of these is the same as for any person who receives any SSD benefit and that is your child must meet the SSA’s definition of being disabled. In addition, your child’s qualifying disability must have commenced prior to their twenty-second birthday.
An adult disabled child may be your child through birth, adoption or marriage as with a stepchild. Some grandchildren and even step-grandchildren may also be able to receive benefits based on your record. In most cases, your child should not be married if receiving these benefits. However, there are some exceptions for situations in which your child’s spouse is also disabled in the eyes of the Social Security Administration.
If you would like to learn more about how you may be able to provide financially for your adult child who has a disability, please feel free to visit the SSD for adult disabled children page of our Florida Social Security and disability website.