Survivor benefits for disabled adults — If a parent dies, retires, or becomes disabled, a son or daughter who is disabled before age 22 may qualify for a monthly Social Security benefit on the parent’s record. Often called a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) or Childhood Disability Benefit (CDB), this payment can become a vital, long-term income source. This guide explains eligibility, how the amount is set, work/earnings rules, Medicare timing, and how to apply.

Survivor benefits for disabled adults: who qualifies?

• Disability before age 22: The adult child’s disability must have begun before age 22 and meet Social Security’s medical criteria.
• Parent’s status: The parent is deceased (survivor case), or is receiving retirement or disability benefits (auxiliary case).
• Marital status: Generally must be unmarried. Marriage usually ends entitlement, though limited exceptions exist (e.g., some marriages to another DAC beneficiary). We’ll help you verify current rules.
• Work history not required: The benefit is based on the parent’s earnings record, not the adult child’s.

How the benefit amount is calculated

The payment is a percentage of the parent’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), subject to the family maximum. Typical ranges:

• Survivor DAC: often up to 75% of the parent’s PIA.
• When the parent is alive (retired or disabled): often up to 50% of the parent’s PIA.

The exact amount depends on SSA rules and family maximum limits. We’ll model your household’s total to avoid surprises.

Work and earnings rules for disabled adult beneficiaries

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Doing work at or above SGA levels can jeopardize disability entitlement. Part-time or therapeutic work below SGA may be permitted—track hours and pay carefully.
• SSI coordination: If the adult child also receives SSI, DAC benefits can reduce or replace SSI. Some states use a “DAC exclusion” to preserve Medicaid—ask us to help you navigate your state’s rules.

Medicare and Medicaid coordination

• Medicare timing: After 24 months of entitlement to DAC (Title II) benefits, the adult child is typically eligible for Medicare.
• Medicaid: If SSI is reduced or lost because of DAC, states may use special pathways to keep Medicaid. We’ll help you coordinate Medicare + Medicaid and compare plan options.

How to apply for disabled adult child survivor benefits

1. Gather documents: Parent’s and adult child’s SSNs, birth certificates, proof of parent’s death (if applicable), medical records supporting disability before age 22, and bank info for direct deposit.
2. Contact Social Security: Call SSA or visit a local office for an appointment (online filing is limited for DAC). We can help you prepare and organize evidence.
3. Coordinate with other benefits: Review SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, and representative payee considerations before filing.

Planning tips for survivor benefits disabled adults

• Special Needs Trust (SNT): Consider directing inheritances to a properly drafted SNT to avoid benefit disruptions. See our Special Needs Life Insurance resource.
• Household strategy: If a surviving parent is also filing, coordinate timing with family maximum rules.
• Medicare choices: When Medicare starts, compare Advantage vs Medigap + Part D, and double-check Medicaid wrap options. See How Medicare & Social Security Work Together.

FAQs: Survivor benefits for disabled adults