Fighting For
Employee And Union Rights
Fighting For
Employee And Union Rights

SSDI and childhood disabilities

On Behalf of | Feb 12, 2016 | Social Security Disability

It is an unfortunate reality that many children in Michigan are born with serious disabilities. Many may be unable to support themselves as they reach adulthood. Instead, these individuals — despite being adults — are dependent on others for their care and financial support. This can be emotionally overwhelming for Michigan parents. They may not have the financial resources to meet their children’s needs as they age.

Parents with disabled children should know that there are legal options available to them. One of the most important government programs to help disabled people is known as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. This program provides benefits for disabled adults based upon medical and nonmedical factors, including the individual’s income and resources.

By contrast, Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for disabled children are based upon the parents’ Social Security records. SSDI benefits can help disabled adults whose disability began before they turned 22 years old. The disabled person must meet certain medical and nonmedical standards in order to qualify, and one or both the parents must be receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits. If the parents have died, they must have worked enough to qualify for Social Security.

It’s also possible for disabled adults to collect Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if they were disabled before age 18 and if they received Social Security benefits as a dependent before age 18.

SSDI benefits can be a financial lifeline for individuals living with severe disabilities. If someone you love is unable to earn a living because of severe disabilities, it is a good idea to speak with a qualified attorney about your legal options for setting up benefits and other ways to provide benefits and care.

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