Do You Have an Adult Disabled Child?
An adult who has been disabled since childhood may receive Social Security disability assistance based on a parent’s earnings if a parent is collecting retirement or disability benefits or is deceased. The benefit is considered a child’s benefit, because the assistance is based on the parent or parents’ earning record. The program is known by the name of “the disabled adult child benefit” or DAC. A number of restrictions apply to obtaining this benefit, so consulting a Florida disability benefits lawyer may make the process go more smoothly for you.
“The Disabled Adult Child assistance program allows recipients to obtain benefits based on their parents’ work history. That generally means higher benefits for you.”
Helping An Adult Child Obtain Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration has strict rules for determining eligibility for disabled adult child assistance. For example, to qualify for DAC assistance, the adult child must be unmarried, age 18 or older and have a medically diagnosable disability that started before age 22. The disability can be either physical or mental. You need not have worked to qualify for the assistance, because the benefits available through the disabled adult child program are based on your parents’ work history. If you are disabled and currently working, you will not qualify if you are making more than $1,000 a month.
Here’s something else to consider: You may already be receiving disability benefits based on your own work history as a disabled adult. But you may be entitled to higher benefits based on your parents’ record through the adult disabled child program. If you have severe and lasting disabilities, you may receive assistance for a lifetime. If your DAC application was denied, we can help you appeal. But if you miss the time limit for filing an appeal, your appeal may be barred. So it’s important to talk with a skilled Florida disability benefits attorney who has experience navigating the Social Security disability and DAC appeals process.
How Can I Afford to Hire a Lawyer for my Adult Disabled Child?
During an initial consultation, which is free, we will review the specifics of your accident and discuss your legal options. If we determine that we can handle your case, we will represent you on a contingent fee basis. You will not be charged for legal fees or costs unless we obtain compensation for you through a settlement or court award. At that time, the fee for our legal representation will come from a percentage of the final award.
