Should my child apply for SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is commonly confused with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In general, a child with developmental disabilities will not qualify for SSDI because eligibility relies on work history; an individual needs to have enough work credits to be able to claim payments through SSDI.

SSI, on the other hand, is not dependent on your child's work history but on their disability and their income. Check out our article here to get an overview of SSI, who is eligible, and how to apply.

Note that adult children with disabilities can apply for Disabled Adult Child Benefits. If an individual is still living at home and being claimed as a dependent at age 18, then they are considered a child. If they are totally on their own and living in their own space, then they will be considered an adult at 18.