SSDI is a benefit available to people who have paid taxes to the Social Security Administration (SSA), much like Social Security retirement. Even if your adult child never worked, he may be eligible for Social Security “child” benefits based on your Social Security earnings record (or the other parent’s earnings record) if your child:
When does a disabled child become an adult?
This is called a “child’s benefit” because it is using the parent’s earning record, not because the person needs to be young. In fact, when a parent doesn’t begin collecting Social Security benefits until late in life, the disabled adult “child” is a young adult or sometimes even middle-aged adult before becoming eligible for benefits.
Can you get Social Security disability if you have not worked for 10 years?
In most cases, if you have not worked in the past ten years, you will be ineligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The actual amount you need to have worked in the past ten years varies depending on your age.
Can a disabled child apply for Social Security disability?
A disabled child or young adult whose income is low enough to qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) can apply for SSI (see our article, Social Security Disability and SSI for Children, for more information), but Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits can be higher.
Can a spouse collect sposual if their child is disabled?
This can lower the sposual benefit to zero. Your spouse is caring for your disabled child. If your spouse is caring for your child who is disabled and collecting Social Security benefits, your spouse can get dependents benefits even if your child is over 16 or an adult.
What happens if my spouse receives SSDI income?
The same is true if your spouse receives SSDI income. If you qualify for SSDI, then it does not matter that your spouse receives benefits for his or her own disability. The SSA would approve or deny both of your applications on their own merits.
How old does a spouse have to be to receive Social Security disability?
The spouse’s benefit is available only for recipients of SSDI (Social Security disability insurance), not SSI. If you begin to receive SSDI benefits, your spouse may also be eligible for benefits on your earnings in the following situations. Your spouse is 62 years or older.
