Social Security Benefits for Children
Can my family get benefits? This is a question many families ask. Mental and physical impairments affect every family member — not just the person with the impairment. Disability is a family problem, so it makes sense that certain members of your family may qualify for benefits based on your work.
These children and other family members may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in certain situations:
- Spouses age 62 or older
- Spouses who must care for your young or disabled child
- Unmarried biological children under age 18 (or 19 if in school)
- Unmarried adopted children under age 18 (or 19 if in school)
- Some unmarried step-children under age 18 (or 19 if in school)
- Some unmarried children with disabilities over age 18
If you are approved for Social Security Disability (SSD), your children may receive a benefit that is payable from your earnings record. If you earned enough money that there is money left on the record for your children, you may be able to file a claim for Social Security benefits for them.
SSI Disability for Children
In some situations, disabilities affect children too - keeping them from participating in school work, games and activities that other children their ages are able to enjoy. These run the gamut from mental impairments, including autism, Asperger's syndrome, developmental disabilities and delays, to physical impairments, such as blindness, scoliosis and juvenile diabetes.
Children with these disabilities and others may be eligible for supplemental security income (SSI). The process for applying for SSI disability benefits for a child is often similar to applying for SSD benefits for an adult. The application is filed. The records are collected and evaluated. And a decision is made.
To contact disability claim lawyer Cynthia Berger and her support staff at our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, law office, call us toll free at 888-572-1164. We offer free and confidential consultations.
