Frequently Asked Questions

How does Social Security decide if an "Adult Child" is disabled?

Social Security will evaluate the disability of an adult child (age 18 or older) who is applying for the first time, or who is being converted from a Social Security dependent child's benefit, by using adult disability criteria.

If the person's impairments cannot be matched with one of the listings, then Social Security asses his or her ability to perform the same type of work he or she did in the past (if any). If the person cannot do that work, or does not have any past work history, then we consider his or her ability to do any kind of work he or she is suited for based on age, education and experience. If, considering all these factors, we find that a person is unable to do any substantial work, then he or she would qualify for disability benefits from Social Security.

What are 'Continuing Disability Reviews'?

Once benefits start, the law requires the Social Security Administration to periodically review all disability cases to verify that people continue to be disabled. The frequency of the review depends upon whether the person's disability is expected to improve, might improve, or is not expected to improve. The award notice you receive will explain when the review will take place.

How do I apply for Childhood Disability benefits?

Social Security has a link to the online forms and the steps you need to take to apply for childhood disabilty benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability

Social Security produces a variety of publications that explain the varoius Social Security programs, including benefits available to children.

Other sites of interest are:
www.socialsecurity.gov/kids
www.socialsecurity.gov/childdisabilityreport