When most people think about Social Security Disability, they picture adults who can no longer work due to illness or injury. But disability benefits can also help children with severe medical conditions, as well as adults who have been disabled since childhood.
If you’re the parent or guardian of a disabled child — or if you’re an adult with a long-term disability that began before age 22 — there may be Social Security benefits available to help.
In this post, we’ll break down the two main programs that support children with disabilities:
- SSI for disabled children
- Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits
1. SSI Benefits for Children With Disabilities
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly payments to children under age 18 who:
- Have a qualifying disability, and
- Live in a household with limited income and resources
✅ Who qualifies?
To be eligible, your child must:
- Have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits daily activities
- Have a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Live in a household that meets SSI’s strict income and asset limits
SSA will consider parental income when deciding if your child qualifies. This is called “deeming”, and it often affects eligibility.
What conditions qualify?
Social Security doesn’t have a separate list just for children, but many of the following conditions may qualify:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- ADHD (severe cases)
- Intellectual disabilities
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders
- Heart defects or other chronic medical conditions
✅ Medical evidence is critical — you’ll need doctor reports, treatment records, school evaluations, and other documentation showing how your child’s condition limits them.
What happens at age 18?
When your child turns 18, SSA will:
- Reevaluate their eligibility under adult disability rules
- Stop counting parental income
- Possibly continue benefits if the disability still meets SSA standards for adults
This process is called a “redetermination.”
2. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits
The Disabled Adult Child (DAC) program is for people over 18 who:
- Have a disability that began before age 22, and
- Have a parent who is receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or who has passed away
DAC benefits are a type of Social Security Disability (SSD) — but based on a parent’s work record, not the applicant’s.
✅ Who qualifies for DAC benefits?
You may qualify if:
- You’re over 18 and unmarried (or married to someone also receiving SSDI)
- Your disability began before age 22
- One of your parents is:
- Receiving SSD or retirement benefits, or
- Deceased, and had a work history with Social Security taxes
💡 What makes DAC unique?
- DAC is based on your parent’s earnings, so you don’t need your own work history
- You may receive higher monthly payments than you would on SSI alone
- If eligible, you may also qualify for Medicare, even before age 65
Can You Get SSI and DAC at the Same Time?
Yes — some people receive SSI and DAC benefits at the same time, especially if:
- Their DAC benefit is low
- They meet SSI’s strict income and resource limits
If your income goes up (for example, your DAC benefit increases), your SSI payment may go down, or you may become ineligible — but Medicaid or Medicare coverage may continue.
Final Thoughts
If you’re caring for a child with a disability — or if you are an adult who became disabled before age 22 — you may qualify for SSI or DAC benefits through Social Security.
✅ Here’s what to remember:
- SSI is for children and adults with disabilities and limited financial resources
- DAC is for adults with a lifelong disability and a parent who worked and paid into Social Security
- You may qualify for health insurance (Medicaid or Medicare) along with monthly payments
Navigating the disability system can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re unsure what you or your loved one may qualify for, a disability attorney or advocate can help guide you through the application process.