Dependent Social Security Disability Benefits Learn if You Qualify
May 17, 2012 By Brent Adams & Associates
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Dependent Social Security disability benefits can help family members of someone who is disabled. A North Carolina Social Security disability lawyer explains who can qualify. Depending upon your work, there are specific members of your family that may qualify for benefits, which include the following:
Unmarried children 18 years or younger This may include your natural, adopted, and step children or grandchildren.
Unmarried children under 19 years of age This may apply if the child is in elementary or secondary school full time.
Unmarried children 18 years or older - A child with a disability that was evident before age 22 may qualify.
Spouse This may apply if he or she is 62 years or older. It also may apply if he or she is any age, caring for your children aged 16 years or younger, or your disabled child.
Divorced Spouse This may apply if he or she was married to you for at least a minimum of 10 years; is 62 years or older; and is unmarried. He or she also must not be receiving an equal or higher benefit on his or her own or another persons Social Security record. Keep in mind, the disability payment for a divorced spouse will not affect the amount of benefits you, your current spouse, or children may receive.
Specifics about Your Disability Benefits
Disability benefits will begin after at least 5 months of a disabling medical condition. The amount you receive will be specific to you and will take into account your work history and medical condition.
Payments will be made each month usually on the same day of the month that coincides with your birth date. For example, if you were born on September 25 then you and your dependents will receive their benefits on the 25th of each month.
You and your dependents may continue to receive disability benefits as long as your disability continues to prohibit you from working. Although your case will be reviewed every so often, you are responsible for advising the Social Security disability program of any changes in your medical condition. This also applies to family members receiving dependent social security disability benefits. Any changes to their status, such as age disqualification or divorce, needs to be reported to the administration.
Talk to a North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer
In the event you have been denied disability benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision made by the Social Security Administration; however, you must take action within 60 days from the time your claim has been denied. When the time comes, it is highly recommended that you seek a Social Security disability lawyer to help you with the process as it can be complicated and frustrating to prove your appeal.
The attorneys at Brent Adams & Associates have been working for the people of Dunn, Raleigh, and Fayetteville, North Carolina for over 30 years to help them get the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brent Adams & Associates
Brent Adams has been active in the the NC legal community throughout his entire career as a trial lawyer. He served on the Boards of the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, eventually elected Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President of each, respectively. Adams was chosen to serve as the State Representative to the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the largest trial lawyer organization in the world.
Copyright Brent Adams & Associates
More information about Brent Adams & Associates
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Unmarried children under 19 years of age This may apply if the child is in elementary or secondary school full time.
Unmarried children 18 years or older - A child with a disability that was evident before age 22 may qualify.
Spouse This may apply if he or she is 62 years or older. It also may apply if he or she is any age, caring for your children aged 16 years or younger, or your disabled child.
Divorced Spouse This may apply if he or she was married to you for at least a minimum of 10 years; is 62 years or older; and is unmarried. He or she also must not be receiving an equal or higher benefit on his or her own or another persons Social Security record. Keep in mind, the disability payment for a divorced spouse will not affect the amount of benefits you, your current spouse, or children may receive.
Specifics about Your Disability Benefits
Disability benefits will begin after at least 5 months of a disabling medical condition. The amount you receive will be specific to you and will take into account your work history and medical condition.
Payments will be made each month usually on the same day of the month that coincides with your birth date. For example, if you were born on September 25 then you and your dependents will receive their benefits on the 25th of each month.
You and your dependents may continue to receive disability benefits as long as your disability continues to prohibit you from working. Although your case will be reviewed every so often, you are responsible for advising the Social Security disability program of any changes in your medical condition. This also applies to family members receiving dependent social security disability benefits. Any changes to their status, such as age disqualification or divorce, needs to be reported to the administration.
Talk to a North Carolina Social Security Disability Lawyer
In the event you have been denied disability benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision made by the Social Security Administration; however, you must take action within 60 days from the time your claim has been denied. When the time comes, it is highly recommended that you seek a Social Security disability lawyer to help you with the process as it can be complicated and frustrating to prove your appeal.
The attorneys at Brent Adams & Associates have been working for the people of Dunn, Raleigh, and Fayetteville, North Carolina for over 30 years to help them get the Social Security disability benefits they deserve.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Brent Adams & Associates
Brent Adams has been active in the the NC legal community throughout his entire career as a trial lawyer. He served on the Boards of the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, eventually elected Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President of each, respectively. Adams was chosen to serve as the State Representative to the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, the largest trial lawyer organization in the world.
Copyright Brent Adams & Associates
More information about Brent Adams & Associates
View all articles published by Brent Adams & Associates
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
