Social Security Benefits For Child of Disabled Parent: Given that the job market is already fairly difficult, for a disabled person to find a job is even tougher. Disability not just means more difficulties in trying to find employment, but also means that the job options available to a person are more limited. Disabled people also tend to have higher medical expenses than those without disabilities.
Given that children are usually dependent on their parents to provide them with necessities, parents having disabilities can be tough not just for them, but also for the whole family. In such a scenario, if you are disabled and have children, it may be possible to get social security benefits for your dependent children as well. However, it is important to check as to whether or not you are eligible for these benefits, wherein the eligibility criterion usually refers to the level of income that you earn. Here is all the necessary information for you to understand Social Security Benefits For Child of Disabled Parent:
The Qualifying Child
When it comes to social security benefits, biological children, adopted children, as well as step-children dependents of an adult are entitled to social security benefits. If you are a disabled parent, your children are entitled to claim social security disability behalf as your dependents. However, it is important to check as to whether or not you meet the qualifying criteria for the social security benefits. Some of the eligibility requirements are as follows:
- You are the dependent child of a parent who is disabled, and certified as such;
- You are the dependent child of a parent who is receiving retirement benefits;
- You are of college age and require financial support (usually meant for those between the ages of 18 – 19);
- You are disabled yourself, and your disability was determined and certified prior to 22 years of age.
Applying benefits for your child – how do you do it?
While most people are confused and find it daunting to apply for social security benefits, it is a fairly easy process to carry out. One of the first things to keep in mind is that prior to applying for social security benefits, you need to be registered and have a social security number. This is true for both you and your child. If you have not collected the social security number of your children yet, it is time to do so – because without it, you cannot claim social security benefits.
For those who are planning to claim social security benefits as a student, (and for those who are adults or above the age of 18), you will also usually be required to submit proof as to your enrolment in an educational institution.
Apart from the above, depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, different types of documents may be required. Other information such as your full name, address, etc. may also be required in certain jurisdictions. The social security administrative authority may require you to provide other documentation in certain specific cases as well. Therefore, ensure that all of your documents and information are correct and up to date.
How much will your child receive in benefits ?
The amount that the child is likely to receive in benefits is dependent on the principal amount – that is, the amount that the disabled worker gets in the first place. You will begin receiving social security benefits once your application is approved by the relevant social security authorities. To calculate how much your child will receive, it is important to first determine as to how much SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance that the disabled worker is likely to get first. Usually, children are given about 50% of the total value of the amount that their parent is entitled to. In case the parent has passed away, the benefit that the child receives may even extend to about 75% of the total value.
If you have more than one dependent child, then it is important to remember that there is a cap on the maximum benefit that a family can receive. The cap is usually placed at about 150% or 180% of the total value that the disabled worker is entitled to. To illustrate, if Samantha has four dependent children, 4 children can claim 50%, but the total amount each will be entitled to will be reduced proportionally to the cap placed, or the amount of maximum benefits receivable.
To make it easier, if X receives a retirement benefit of 1000$, and the maximum amount that the family is entitled to be 4000$, and if X has three dependents, then the remaining 3000$ will be split amongst each dependent equally, giving each person 1000$. It is therefore helpful to keep track of how much benefits the family is entitled to receive totally.
Disabled Adult Child’s Benefit
If you have an adult child that is disabled, they are entitled to receive social security benefits as well. It is best to approach the social security administrative office to seek inputs on what sort of benefits and assistance you are particularly eligible to, and to acquaint yourself with the fact sheet and starter packet to glean important information. This also includes the process of signing up for the benefit, answering the questions that are put forth to you, and submitting the relevant documents to the authorities.
If your child stops being disabled, or there has been an improvement in the condition of the child, you may not be entitled to claim disability benefits after that. Usually, if the child is no longer disabled, then the disability benefits stop at the age of 16. However, if your child continues to be disabled and is actively seeking treatment for their disabilities, then irrespective of how old they are, they are entitled to social security payments. Ensure that you contact the relevant social security authorities in a time bound manner to ensure that you and your dependents get the amount that you are entitled to.
What is the maximum family amount?
If you meet certain eligibility criteria, you are likely to be entitled to a maximum family amount of benefit which usually ranges between 150% to 180% depending on the facts and the circumstances of each case. The rules for determining what the maximum family amount is, how to calculate it, and how much each person is entitled to be based on the criteria set by the social security administration itself.
As of now, as per the rules, 85% of the amount that the disabled member is entitled to be usually the maximum family amount, on a monthly basis, based on the rules of the social security administration. The primary insurance plan of the disabled member also has a bearing on the maximum family amount of benefits that can be claimed. One thing that is important to remember is that the maximum family benefit, in most circumstances, is unlikely to be over 150%. The calculation of maximum family amount is calculated on the basis of a formula, and is similar to the calculation of a Primary Insurance Amount.
If you find it confusing to understand what a maximum family amount is, or if you are unsure on how to calculate it correctly and efficiently, there are numerous resources on the internet that provide a calculator that helps you determine as to what the maximum family amount is likely to be.
Will, my child receive benefits after I die?
For those who are disabled, especially for those with chronic conditions, a question that plagues them is as to whether their family will be taken care of after their passing, and whether their dependents will still be entitled to claim social security benefits. Yes, your children are likely to receive benefits even after you die. Social security benefits that are given to members of the family once the main individual who was receiving benefits passes is sometimes termed as survivorship benefits. Survivor benefits are applicable for biological children, adopted children, as well as step-children. However, it is important to remember that the eligibility criteria differ for each of the dependents based on their relationship with the deceased.
Unmarried
Survivorship benefits in most jurisdictions only extend up to the time that the dependent child is unmarried. Once married, survivor benefits are not likely to accrue. Once married, it is viewed as though the dependent child is no longer dependent on the income of the disabled parent (or deceased disabled parent) and hence, is no longer eligible for benefits.
Below the age of 18
A dependent child below the age of 18 is entitled to 50% of the total value of the benefits that a disabled parent is receiving and up to 75% of the total value of the benefits in case the parent is deceased.
Above the age of 18
In the case of an adult dependent above the age of 18, there are two circumstances under which the individual is entitled to claim social security benefits. The first circumstance arises wherein the child is below the age of 19, and is enrolled as a full time student. If benefits are claimed under this head, it is important to provide documentation indicating the student status of the individual claiming the benefit.
Another circumstance under which a dependent above the age of 18 can claim security is where the child has disabled themselves, in which case, they shall continue to receive disability until the disability persists. The amount of benefit, is, however, capped at 75%, similar to the amount of disability that a minor child is entitled to claim in case of a deceased disabled parent.
Grandchildren
In certain specific circumstances, an individual can be entitled to claim social security benefits post the death of their grandparents as well. However, there are certain specific criteria that allow for this.
- Where the child was under the primary care and guardianship of the grandparents before reaching the age of 18, and where the child has been dependent financially on the grandparents for at least 12 months prior to their passing.
- Where the child is an infant, dependent on the grandparents, and where the grandparents have provided at least a minimum of half of the support required for the upkeep of the infant.
- Where the child is not entitled to claim or does not receive any benefits from the death of their parents.
Usually, children are entitled to claim up to 75% of the total value of the social security and disability benefits that the grandparents receive, and such benefits are likely to continue until the child reaches adulthood, or 18 years of age. For a child to claim social security benefits as on behalf of the benefits that their grandparents were receiving, it is important the child should have been adopted by the grandparents.
Conclusion
The goal if social security is to encourage equity, and to ensure that nobody in the society is left in a vulnerable state. It ensures that those who does not have access to a basic level of income will have sufficient money for food, clothing, and shelter. It has been said that social security schemes and welfare schemes have made a significant difference in the lives of those who are not able to go out and work, and has also improved the quality of life of those children who are dependent on disabled parents or simply various Social Security Benefits For Child of Disabled Parent are available. The goal of social security is to ensure that the state plays an active role in ensuring the safety and security of their citizens.
If you believe that you are entitled to social security benefits, the first step you can take is to visit the social security administration website. A lot of information such as the eligibility criteria, what documents are required, how much benefit (in terms of the value) you are entitled to receive is mentioned. If you have any questions or doubts pertaining to the process, or if you are unsure as to whether or not you are eligible, you could also always approach the nearest social security office in your vicinity to get your doubts cleared up effectively. It is highly recommended.
