Can my adult child with mental illness get disability on my Social Security record (DAC benefits)?

What are Social Security's rules?

• Age at onset: the disability began before age 22 (20 CFR 404.350).
• Adult disability standard: your child cannot do substantial work, and the condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months (SSA Handbook 516).
• Marital status: unmarried. Marriage may affect eligibility.
• Parent status: you get retirement or disability benefits, or a parent who was fully or currently insured has died (SSA Handbook 323).
• Duration: benefits continue as long as the disability continues.

What if the diagnosis came after 22?

It does not automatically rule your child out. What matters is evidence that the disability began before 22.

Useful records include school records, early hospital stays, counselor notes, and statements from people who knew your child then.

Does this matter if my child already gets SSI?

Often, yes. SSI is based on need. DAC is a Social Security benefit paid on your record. How SSI, SSDI, and DAC differ.

After 24 months of DAC benefits, your child generally qualifies for Medicare (SSA).

If DAC ends your child's SSI, federal law can protect Medicaid. Your child is treated as still getting SSI for Medicaid if they would qualify for SSI without the DAC money (Social Security's rule for Medicaid after DAC benefits). Ask your state Medicaid agency about the "disabled adult child" group. See your state.

How do we apply?

1. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office. Say: "I want to apply for child's benefits on my record for my disabled adult child."
2. Have ready: your Social Security number, your child's Social Security number and birth certificate, and the names, dates, and account numbers for doctors and hospitals (SSA).
3. Gather proof of onset before 22. Request records early. They take time.
4. If your child cannot manage money, ask about becoming the representative payee.
5. If the claim is denied, you generally have 60 days to appeal (SSA). Our page on a denial and what to do next walks through that window.