Even if you have never worked in a job covered by Social Security, as a parent, there are two ways that you may still qualify for benefits. Your child’s benefit will continue until he or she reaches age 18, or 19 if he or she is still in school full time.

Is a child’s disability based on parents income?

Families of children must meet the income and resource limitations for SSI, but Social Security won’t count some of the parents’ income. Social Security attributes some of parents’ income to children for the purpose of deciding SSI eligibility, in a process called “deeming.”

How does divorce affect children with disabilities?

When there is a child with special needs involved in a divorce, issues of child custody, visitation, and support and property division are significantly more complex to negotiate. Uncertainty about the nature and cost of future care makes it difficult to estimate disability-related expenses in a divorce agreement.

Is it hard to get SSI for a child with autism?

A child applying with autism will have to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are for people with disabilities and with very little income. Because children do not work, parents’ income will be taken into consideration when applying for SSI benefits on behalf of a child with autism.

Can my child get SSI for ADHD?

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, or ADD, he or she can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits if the severity of the child’s ADHD meets the Social Security Administration’s childhood impairment listing for neurodevelopmental disorders (listing 112.11).

Can a disabled parent still get child support?

A disabled parent won’t necessarily be off the hook for child support. Although one parent’s disability may affect their ability to earn income, a disabled parent’s worker’s compensation payments or Social Security Disability Insurance payments can count as income available to pay support.

How does a parent’s disability affect a divorce?

One parent’s disabilities won’t affect custody, unless that parent’s ability to meet a child’s needs is impaired. Some factors a court will consider when deciding custody include: the child’s connection to the community, siblings, and extended family.

Are there income limits for parents of disabled children?

The SSA imposes SSI income limits for the parents of disabled children to ensure that benefits are reserved for those who have the highest level of need. Unlike SSID, SSI benefits are available to children and those who have not worked long enough to qualify for the alternative program.

Can You divorce with a child with special needs?

There are few challenges more difficult than going through divorce and having a child with special needs. As a divorced, single parent of a beautiful daughter with special needs, I can tell you that you realize immediately that the burden of future planning, well-being and protection fall squarely on your shoulders as a custodial parent.