Disabled Adult Child Benefits

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are a type of Social Security benefit provided to individuals who have a disability and meet specific criteria related to their parent's Social Security record. These benefits are available to adult children with disabilities who were disabled before the age of 22 and who have a parent who is either deceased, receiving Social Security retirement benefits, or receiving Social Security disability benefits.

Disability

The individual must be disabled according to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability, which means they are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Importantly, the disability must have started before the age of 22.

Parent’s Social Security Record

The adult child must have a parent who is either:

• Deceased, and the parent worked and paid into Social Security long enough to be eligible for survivor benefits, or
• Receiving Social Security disability benefits, or
• Receiving Social Security retirement benefits (i.e., the parent is at least 62 years old and has retired).

Age Requirement

The individual must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying for DAC benefits, but they must have become disabled before the age of 22. This is why these benefits are often referred to as "Disabled Adult Child" benefits, as they are intended for individuals who were disabled during childhood or adolescence.

Benefit Amount

The amount of DAC benefits is based on the parent's Social Security work record. The benefit can be up to a percentage of the parent’s Social Security benefit, typically around 50% (but it can vary). The exact amount depends on how much the parent paid into Social Security and how much they were receiving in benefits at the time of their death, disability, or retirement. In some cases, the DAC benefit may be reduced if the child is also eligible for other benefits or has income from other sources.

Medicare

After receiving 24 months of DAC benefits, the individual becomes eligible for Medicare, which is the federal health insurance program. Medicare helps cover health care costs for people with disabilities.

Disability Lawyers Ready to Assist at Every Step

Milton English & Whitten is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities throughout every stage of the claims process. Whether you're just considering applying for disability benefits or have had a previous claim denied, Will Milton English and his team are here to help. Our Charleston disability attorneys handle cases at all levels, including appeals to federal District Court following a denial after a hearing with an administrative law judge. Reach out today to learn how Will Milton English, a skilled Charleston disability lawyer, and his team can assist you. Call (843) 881-1399, email info@miltonwhitten.com, or schedule an appointment here!