Many young adults with disabilities have been receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as children, but once they turn 18, the rules change.
However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has programs that can provide financial support to young adults with disabilities, even if they don’t have a long work history. In many cases, they may be able to receive SSDI benefits based on a parent’s work record.
But getting approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) isn’t always easy. The application process can be complicated, and many families face denials simply because they don’t know what documents or medical evidence they need. This is why working with an experienced SSDI lawyer can make all the difference.
At Hunter | Everage, our experienced Richmond social security disability lawyers have helped many families in Richmond secure the benefits their loved ones deserve. Whether your child is about to turn 18 or you’re exploring SSDI options for a young adult with a disability, we can guide you through the process.
How SSDI Works for Young Adults With Disabilities
SSDI is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. Typically, SSDI requires work credits—earned through years of employment and paying Social Security taxes. But what about disabled young adults who haven’t had the chance to work much or at all?
The good news is that young adults with disabilities may still qualify for SSDI under certain conditions. If a disability began before the age of 22, a young adult may be able to receive benefits based on a parent’s work record instead of their own. This is often referred to as Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) benefits even though the recipient is legally an adult.
If you become disabled after turning 22, you won’t qualify for SSDI child’s benefits. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The SSA’s recent work test and duration of work test are based on age:
- Recent Work Test: If your disability begins in or before the calendar quarter of your 24th birthday, you typically need to have worked at least 1.5 years within the three years leading up to your disability.
- Duration of Work Test: If you become disabled before turning 28, you generally need a total of 1.5 years of work experience.
This means that the younger you are, the less work history you need to qualify. This makes sense—after all, someone who becomes disabled at 23 can’t be expected to have a decade of work experience!
If you meet these work requirements—along with the medical criteria—you may qualify for SSDI benefits.
Qualifying for SSDI Without a Long Work History
Most people who apply for SSDI need a solid work history to qualify. However, young adults with disabilities often haven’t had the opportunity to build enough work credits. That’s why the SSA allows them to apply based on their parents’ earnings records.
This means that even if a disabled young adult has never worked, they can still receive SSDI if their parent has a qualifying work history. These benefits are often higher than SSI payments and provide access to Medicare after a two-year waiting period.
However, if a young adult has worked but doesn’t have enough credits, they may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is based on financial need rather than work history.
How Parents’ Work Credits Can Help Disabled Young Adults Get SSDI
SSDI eligibility typically requires accumulating sufficient work credits, earned through years of working and paying into the Social Security system via taxes. However, young adults with a disability can qualify for SSDI benefits based on their parents’ work credits.
To be eligible for SSDI through a parent’s work record, the following conditions must be met:
- The parent must be either retired, disabled, or deceased.
- The disabled adult must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that results in severe functional limitations.
- The impairment must have started before the age of 22 and must meet Social Security’s definition of disability for adults.
- The disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
SSDI vs. SSI: Which Program is Better for Young Adults?
When it comes to choosing between SSDI and SSI for young adults with disabilities, each program offers different benefits.
- Monthly Benefits: SSDI payments are generally higher than SSI payments and are based on the earnings record, either your own or your parent’s. On the other hand, SSI benefits are fixed at a maximum federal rate, though some states add supplemental payments.
- Health Insurance: SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after two years, while SSI recipients qualify for Medicaid immediately. Depending on the medical needs, immediate access to Medicaid through SSI could be more beneficial than waiting for Medicare under SSDI.
Deciding which program is better depends largely on your circumstances. If you qualify for SSDI through a parent’s work credits, this is often the preferable route due to higher benefit payments and eventual Medicare coverage. If you’re ineligible for SSDI, then SSI might be the only option available, providing vital financial support and immediate health insurance through Medicaid.
Long-Term Financial Planning for Young Adults on SSDI
SSDI can provide financial stability for young adults with disabilities, but it’s essential to plan for the long term. Here are a few key steps:
- Set up a Special Needs Trust (SNT): This tool protects your assets while maintaining eligibility for government benefits like SSI and Medicaid. It’s a safe way to manage money for future needs without jeopardizing SSDI benefits.
- Look into Medicaid Waivers: Even with Medicare from SSDI, Medicaid waivers can cover additional services that Medicare does not. These can be critical for comprehensive medical and personal care.
- Understand Working Impacts: If employment is an option, familiarize yourself with programs like the Ticket to Work. These programs allow SSDI recipients to explore work without losing benefits. It’s a good way to test the waters of employment while keeping financial support.
- Stay Informed About Benefit Changes: SSDI benefits adjust with cost-of-living increases, and other changes in your family situation can affect your benefits.
- Consult with Professionals: Regularly talking to a financial advisor or an SSDI lawyer can help navigate changes and ensure you’re maximizing your benefits and financial opportunities.
Contact an Experienced Richmond SSDI Lawyer
Applying for SSDI as a disabled young adult can be complex. At Hunter | Everage, we’ve helped families throughout Richmond secure the benefits they deserve.
If you or a loved one needs help applying for SSDI, appealing a denial, or planning for the future, contact us at 704-377-9157 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you through every step of the process.