4.2 Google Rated
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits are Social Security disability payments for adults who became disabled before age 22, paid on a parent’s earnings record instead of their own. Pekas Smith is an experienced team of Arizona lawyers who help clients get DAC benefits, whether you’re just starting the process or have already begun.
Many people know that Social Security pays retirement benefits and helps workers who become disabled. However, there is another important program for adults disabled before age 22: the Disabled Adult Child program.
Social Security Benefits for Disabled Adult Children
DAC waives the standard SSDI work-history requirement, since a disability that begins before age 22 often means the person hasn’t had time to build a qualifying earnings record of their own.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) normally requires that work history. DAC benefits waive it and rely on a parent’s earnings record instead. To receive benefits, you must meet eligibility requirements and file an application.
Important things to know:
- If you become disabled before age 22, you may receive Social Security benefits based on your parent’s earnings history.
- The work requirement is waived when the onset of the disability is before age 22.
- The same standards for determining disability apply to claims based on a parent’s earnings record. You must show that you are unable to perform substantial gainful activity with a disability expected to last one year or longer or result in death.
- Claims examiners need to see detailed medical evidence to approve your claim.
- A lawyer can assist you with the application process.
- If your first application is denied, you may continue to pursue your case with reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, and a case in federal court.
When you need DAC benefits, timing matters. You need to know if you qualify and how to apply, then find an experienced representative to help you pursue your benefits.
That’s what you can expect from Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys. We are lawyers who understand what’s involved in claiming Disabled Adult Child benefits. We want you to have the payments you need and deserve.
How Much You Can Receive in DAC Benefits
DAC benefits are calculated as a percentage of the parent’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), the amount the parent would receive at full retirement age. The percentage depends on whether the parent is living or deceased, and SSA caps the total at a maximum monthly figure tied to the parent’s own earnings record.
What can I receive in DAC benefits?
If you qualify for DAC benefits, the amount that you receive is based on your parent’s earnings history. You may receive half of your parent’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) that they would get if they received benefits at full retirement age.
If the parent is deceased, you may receive three-fourths of your parent’s calculated amount. These are base rates. SSA’s family maximum benefit cap can proportionally reduce the amount a DAC beneficiary receives when other dependents, such as a spouse or other children, also claim on the same earnings record. The cap ranges from 150% of the parent’s PIA, when the parent’s own benefit is disability-based, up to roughly 188% when it’s retirement- or survivor-based.
What is the maximum amount that you can receive in disabled adult child benefits?
The maximum amount that a person can receive in disabled adult child benefits depends on the parent’s own SSDI amount. The most a person can receive on their own earnings record is $4,152 per month as of 2026.
A disabled adult child can receive half of that amount, or three-fourths if the parent is deceased, making the maximum amount a person can receive on DAC approximately $3,114 per month, 75% of $4,152.
Although this is the maximum a disabled adult child can receive, the average payment is less. Benefits may continue as long as the person remains disabled.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits Lawyers: FAQs
Can my disabled adult son or daughter draw on my Social Security?
Your son or daughter who becomes disabled before age 22 may draw Social Security benefits based on your earnings history.
Does a disabled adult child lose benefits if they get married?
Usually, a disabled adult child loses their benefits if they get married. An exception is if your spouse also receives benefits.
What are the standards for disability for a disabled adult child?
The standards for disability for a disabled adult child require showing an impairment in the Blue Book Listings of Impairments, or that the medical condition is the equivalent of a listing.
Do you also get Medicare if you get Disabled Adult Child benefits?
Once you have received disabled adult child benefits for two years, you may also receive Medicare coverage.
Can you get Disabled Adult Child compensation if you live with your parents?
Yes, you can receive Disabled Adult Child benefits if you live with your parents.
What happens if my DAC claim is denied?
A denied DAC claim isn’t the end of your case. You can request reconsideration, and if that’s denied too, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge follows. Most claims are denied at the initial stage. Each appeal stage has a strict filing deadline, usually 60 days.
Do I need a work history to qualify for DAC benefits?
No, you don’t need your own work history to qualify for DAC benefits. Eligibility is based on your parent’s earnings record instead, as long as your disability began before age 22 and you meet the same medical disability standard used for SSDI and SSI.
Lawyers for Disabled Adult Child Benefits in Arizona
Wherever you are in Arizona, our lawyers for Disabled Adult Child Benefits can represent you. Our team knows what information to present. We are experienced in hearings. From the very beginning of your case, through reconsideration, appeals, and court actions, we can fully represent you. We want you to be successful as early in the case as possible.
Free Consultations, Start Today
We are taking new cases throughout Arizona. We invite you to start with a consultation with an experienced Pekas Smith: Arizona Disability Attorneys lawyer for Disabled Adult Child benefits. We are committed to your case and are knowledgeable in disability law. In fact, helping people with disability benefits is all we do.
Call 602.962.2818 or contact us now to see how we may assist you.
