Caring for a child with a disability comes with unique challenges—and thankfully, there are numerous federal and state benefits designed to provide crucial support. These programs can assist with healthcare, education, housing, and income, easing some of the burdens families may face. Importantly, while the nature of benefits often changes when a child turns 18, support does not end.
In fact, new options may become available in adulthood. For families navigating this journey, the U.S. government’s disability services website offers a valuable starting point, with comprehensive information on available programs. In this guide, we’ll focus on what families can access while caring for a child with a Disabilities y and how the landscape of support evolves as that child becomes an adult.
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Key Takeaways
As a caregiver for a child with disabilities, you have access to a variety of federal and state benefits, with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) being one of the most important. When a child with disabilities turns 18, their eligibility for benefits will change, as they are now considered an adult. However, if the disability was diagnosed before the age of 22, the individual may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Although this benefit is categorized as a “child’s” benefit by the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is based on the parent’s Social Security earnings record.
Family Benefits for Children With Disabilities
Families raising children with disabilities may be eligible for a variety of federal and state benefits designed to ease financial pressures and ensure access to essential care. One of the most significant programs is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income and resources. Children under the age of 18 can qualify for SSI if they have a medical condition—or a combination of conditions—that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. To be eligible, the child’s income and assets must fall within strict federal guidelines.
SSI benefit amounts vary by state, as some states supplement the federal payment. Currently, about 19 states and Washington, D.C., do not offer additional SSI payments. For details on the specific amount you may receive, your local Social Security office can help, and the SSA also offers an online calculator to estimate monthly benefits.
Beyond SSI, families may qualify for several other forms of support:
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): CHIP is available in every state and ensures access to medical and dental care for children under 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Program names and benefits vary by state, but the core mission remains the same: to bridge the healthcare gap for underserved children.
- Social Security Survivor or Disability Benefits: If a parent retires, becomes disabled, or passes away, their child with disabilities may be eligible to receive benefits based on the parent’s work history.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program offers financial assistance to low-income families, helping parents meet basic needs while caring for their children.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP helps low-income households buy groceries. Benefits are provided through an electronic debit card, and individuals with disabilities may be eligible for additional provisions under the program.
- VA Pensions: Low-income veterans with disabilities may receive additional financial support through Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits. If the veteran has dependent children, their benefit amount may increase.
- Medicaid: In many states, children who qualify for SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid, which provides comprehensive healthcare coverage. In states where automatic eligibility doesn’t apply, children may still qualify based on income and other criteria.
- Medicaid Waivers: These waivers allow states to offer home-based or community services to individuals who might otherwise require institutional care, broadening access for children with disabilities.
Family Benefits for Disabled Adults
When a child with disabilities turns 18, they are legally considered an adult, and this milestone brings important changes to their eligibility for disability benefits. While some benefits may continue, the rules—and in some cases, the benefit amounts—can shift significantly.
One major change involves Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At age 18, the Social Security Administration (SSA) stops counting the income and resources of family members (except a spouse) when determining financial eligibility. This means that individuals who were previously ineligible due to parental income may now qualify. Additionally, SSA evaluates disability under adult criteria, which differ slightly from the childhood standard. Most individuals will undergo a medical review around their 18th birthday to reassess eligibility. In some cases, young adults who did not qualify as children may qualify as adults.
Another key benefit is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), available to adults whose disability began before age 22. This benefit is often referred to as the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit. Despite the name, eligibility extends beyond biological children—it includes adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. To qualify, the individual must be 18 or older, unmarried, have a qualifying disability that began before age 22, and meet SSA’s criteria for a disabled adult.
SSDI for DACs is based on a parent’s Social Security record. The parent must be deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits. Importantly, the adult child does not need to have worked to receive SSDI under this provision. Benefits typically continue for as long as the disability persists. However, marriage can affect eligibility—unless it’s to another individual also receiving DAC benefits, in which case the marriage may be considered “protected” and not impact entitlement.
As of September 2023, the average monthly Social Security benefit received by disabled workers, their spouses, and children was approximately $1,350.
For disabled adults looking to enter or remain in the workforce, SSA work incentives, including the Ticket to Work program, can provide critical support. These initiatives help beneficiaries find and maintain employment while protecting their access to SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare—sometimes indefinitely—depending on income levels and medical expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children with disabilities?
SSI provides monthly payments to children with disabilities who have limited income and resources. To qualify, a child must meet Social Security’s definition of disability and their family’s income must fall within eligibility limits. SSI amounts can vary by state, with some states supplementing federal payments.
How do benefits change when a child with disabilities turns 18?
When a child with disabilities turns 18, they are considered an adult, and SSI benefits are assessed using adult criteria. This includes no longer considering parental income and resources (except for a spouse). Additionally, SSA reviews the individual’s medical condition, and in some cases, an individual who didn’t qualify as a child might become eligible for benefits as an adult.
Can a person with a disability qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Yes, adults whose disability began before age 22 may qualify for SSDI, even if they have never worked. SSDI benefits are based on a parent’s work history. These benefits are available to biological children, adopted children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren who meet the eligibility requirements.
How much does the average Social Security benefit for disabled individuals amount to?
As of September 2023, the average monthly Social Security benefit received by disabled workers, spouses of disabled workers, and children of disabled workers is approximately $1,350.
Will SSDI benefits continue after a person with a disability turns 18?
Yes, SSDI benefits can continue as long as the disability remains. However, marriage may impact eligibility, although certain marriages (e.g., to another DAC) are considered protected and do not affect entitlement.
How do SSA work incentives, like the Ticket to Work program, help adults with disabilities?
The Ticket to Work program helps adults with disabilities find and maintain employment while preserving their access to SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare. These programs are designed to support individuals in working to their full potential, without immediately losing their benefits.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of disability benefits can be complex, but understanding the resources available can make a significant difference for families caring for a child—or adult—with a disability. From early childhood through adulthood, programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and CHIP provide critical financial, medical, and daily living support.