For adults who suffer a disabling injury later in life, their work history will usually qualify them for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. However, this standard of work history often presents a problem for individuals who become disabled at a very young age or have been disabled from birth. However, in these circumstances, many disability benefits are still available. In fact, adult children with disabilities can often qualify for Social Security disability benefits based on the employment history of their parents.
For adults who If you have any questions about obtaining disability benefits for your disabled adult child, please contact an experienced South Carolina Social Security disability lawyer for immediate legal assistance.
How to Qualify for Social Security Benefits Through a Parent
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits through a parent, a disabled adult must meet the following four criteria:
- He or she must have a complete disability, as defined by the Social Security Administration.
- He or she must have become disabled before the age of 22.
- The parent must have paid into Social Security for the requisite amount of time.
- The qualifying parent must either be deceased, permanently disabled or already receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
If all four of those criteria are met, then a disabled adult child should be able to receive SSDI benefits.
South Carolina Disability Benefits Programs
Beyond Social Security disability benefits, there are several state programs that may provide disabled adult children additional assistance. The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs administers these programs. Some benefits that may be available to affected families in South Carolina include:
- Financial assistance for costs related to providing in-home care, including transportation, medical equipment, and other support services
- Section 811 housing vouchers
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP)
- Low-income emergency assistance
- Respite services
To learn more about what specific benefits you or your disabled adult child might qualify for in South Carolina, you should always consult with an experienced attorney who can review the circumstances of your case.
Special Considerations for Cases Involving Disabled Children and Child Support
Under South Carolina law, child support obligations are typically extinguished as soon as a child turns 18. However, when a child is deemed to be sufficiently mentally or physically disabled, these obligations may be extended. South Carolina courts have the discretion to review cases involving disabled adult children to determine whether extending child support is appropriate. Although this will only be done in a limited number of cases, it may be an important issue for you to consider.
Do You Need Legal Advice?
If you or a loved one is considering applying for disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact our team today. At Land Parker Welch LLC our attorneys have extensive experience helping many South Carolina families receive the benefits they need for their disabled children.
Our firm is based in Manning, and we support communities throughout the region, including Bishopville, Mayesville, Summerton, Sumter, and Tuberville.
