Disabled Adult Child - DAC
SSDI Disabled Adult Child (DAC & CDB) Eligibility Criteria
The disabled child of a deceased, disabled or retired worker may be entitled to DAC benefits. In order to qualify the child must satisfy the following eligibility criteria -
- Have been disabled before age 22
- Have been dependent on the insured parent
- Be unmarried
- Be age 18 or older
- Be a natural child, legally adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or equitably adopted child
- Have a parent that is deceased or receiving Social Security Disability or retirement
Please note: Drug or alcohol addiction may preclude eligibility
After eligibility has been established you must then prove that you are disabled.
The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to do any substantial gainful work. You must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. It is important to understand that you do not need to be permanently disabled. You only need to have a condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. When your condition improves and you’re ready to return to work the benefits can be terminated.
We always recommend that you consult with an experienced attorney before contacting SSA with dependent benefit questions.