Indianapolis Disability Lawyer

Disability for Adult Children

The Social Security Administrations treats employees who suffer injury, illness, or other disabling condition that prevents gainful employment before the age of 22 in a special manner. There are different criteria and situations that the SSA considers in order to determine if the adult disabled before the age of 22 will be eligible for child's benefits. This status is only considered if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits.

Individuals Who Qualify

To be considered an “adult child” the disabled individual must be:

• Unmarried
• Age 18 or older
• Have a disability that started before age 22

This status can be extended to adopted children, and in some cases, a stepchild, grandchild, or step grandchildren.

If the Adult Child Is or Is Not Working

It is not necessary for the adult child to have ever worked because benefits are paid on the parent's earnings record. Should the adult child be currently working, he or she must not have substantial earnings. As of 2009, this amount will mean working and earning more than $980 a month. Certain expenses that the adult child incurs in order to work may be excluded from these earnings.

The Adult Child Is Already Receiving SSI Benefits

In this case, the adult child should still check to see if benefits may be payable on a parent's earnings record. Higher benefits might be payable and entitlement to Medicare may be possible.

Speak with an Indianapolis Social Security Lawyer

If you or a loved one is unable to work due to a disability and is under the age of 22, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits as an adult child. Contact the Indianapolis disability lawyer of Charles D. Hankey Law Firm at 317.634.8565.