09/02/2026
Did You Know? You May Be Eligible for Social Security Benefits Through a Parent
A recent change in how Social Security handles Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits makes it is more important than ever for people with disabilities and their families to know about this benefit.
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Did You Know? You May Be Eligible for Social Security Benefits Through a Parent
A recent change in how Social Security handles Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits makes it is more important than ever for people with disabilities and their families to know about this benefit.
What are DAC benefits?
Disabled Adult Child benefits are Social Security benefits paid to an adult with a disability based on a parent’s Social Security work record.
You may be eligible if you:
• Are age 18 or older
• Have a disability that was determined by Social Security to began before age 22
• Are unmarried, with some exceptions
• Have a parent who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or whose parent has died
• Meet Social Security’s definition of disability for adults
You do not have to have worked yourself to qualify. The benefit is based on your parent’s Social Security record.
What has changed?
Previously, some people who could potentially qualify for DAC benefits were identified and contacted by the Social Security Administration when a parent began receiving retirement or disability benefits or died. That is no longer the case.
Do not assume Social Security will contact you.
If a parent retires, becomes disabled, or dies, an adult child with a disability that began before age 22 should contact Social Security and ask whether they may qualify for DAC benefits.
This is especially important because waiting to apply could mean losing benefits you may otherwise could have received. Social Security currently states that DAC applications cannot be completed online and that people should contact Social Security to request an appointment.
How do I request DAC benefits?
Contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible and say that you want to apply for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on your parent’s Social Security record.
📞 Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
Social Security will schedule an appointment to take the application.
To help the process go more smoothly, gather information about your disability, including when your disability began and information about your medical providers and treatment. You may be asked to complete an Adult Disability Report.
Could someone in your family qualify?
If you have an adult child with a disability that began before age 22, don't wait for Social Security to contact you.
A parent’s retirement, disability, or death may create an opportunity for the adult child to receive Social Security benefits on the parent’s record.
Knowing about the benefit and knowing when to ask for it can make a meaningful difference.
The ADRC can help you understand programs and resources that may be available to you and your family.
However, Social Security determines eligibility for DAC benefits and takes the application.
Learn more about Social Security benefits by visiting the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration: Social Security Administration Website
