Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability if I Become Disabled as a Child in California?

Children who meet the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s definition of “disability” may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits even if they have never worked or paid into Social Security, as long as their disability occurred before they reached age 22.

The SSA typically requires that a disability meets certain criteria before SSDI payments become available. In order to qualify, a disability must prevent someone from working, and must be expected to last at least one year and/or to result in the person’s death. For most adults, qualifying for SSDI payments also requires that the adult have paid into Social Security – either through taxes withheld from a paycheck or by paying self-employment taxes – for a certain amount of time prior to becoming disabled.

For young adults, however, the requirement to have paid into Social Security may not apply. Young adults under age 22 may qualify for SSDI if they meet the other requirements, even if they have never worked. In these situations, benefits are calculated based on how much the disabled person’s parents have paid into Social Security over the years. Like other adults, disabled young adults may work while receiving SSDI, as long as their income stays below an amount set by the SSA each year.

Social Security Disability can feel overwhelming to navigate, especially when you’re already struggling to manage your disability. The knowledgeable Los Angeles Social Security disability benefits lawyers at the Kenton Koszdin Law Office can help. Call us today at (800) 438-7734 for a free, confidential consultation.