Social Security Disability
Disabled Children
An adult child may be eligible for social security disability benefits if he or she has an insured deceased parent or an insured living parent who is receiving social security disability benefits or benefits on the basis of old age. The disability must be present before the child's twenty-second birthday. Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available for the benefit of minor children in the event the minor child has an identified impairment, which includes such health problems as cerebral palsy, certain types of cancers, and other neurologic diseases. In the event a child's health problem limits the child's ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively or in an age- appropriate manner or is one which would disable an adult, a child is entitled to SSI benefits.