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If you have a child with disabilities, can they get social security either as a foster kid or an adoptive kid? And what are the benefits? The main thing I was considering was that a child who is disabled in a way that he'll be disabled as an adult may find it better to be established as a child because there are work requirements as an adult. One of the main considerations is insurance. Well, foster kids and special needs adopted kids get that...at least until 18. And one has a stipend and the other has a subsidy. So I didn't figure there would be much/any money benefit. So....I guess I just want to understand if this is something to bother with.
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A disabled child can qualify for SSI (which in most states automatically qualifies them for Medicaid), but it is needs-based and the parents' or guardian's income is taken into account (though adoption stipend is excluded in calculation, I think). Once the child reaches age 18, he/she can apply for SSI as an adult and the parents' income is not taken into account, even if they have guardianship. The maximum amount for adults is currently $698/month -- I'm not sure if it's the same for kids. I'm also not sure what happens with kids in foster care who are not adopted.
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To add to the above, if DHS applies for it they can collect it to offset the child's cost of care, much like child support.Many times in adoption subsidy negotiations they attempt to push APs to take SSI vs a subsidy (you can't get both usually)...however, SSI will be based on the APs income, so it's not usually a good idea to take SSI over a subsidy.
My AD qualifies for SS thru her own disability. However, we don't see the money directly. We get it indirectly thru her adoption Assistance. When we were negotiating AA,this was a big factor in getting what she got. However I recently found out how much her SS benefit is (when we got her new SS CARD) and I was surprised that it was less than a third of her total monthly AA. We also got to keep her Medicaid. Really, given her disablilty, it was always known she would keep that.
So if we just have the adoption subsidy through the month they turn 18, then the child (or we, on his behalf) applies for disability. And it isn't counted against them that they didn't work (or their work isn't appropriate for support)...What if the child waits any or tries to work at first but it turns out they are unable to work consistently or appropriately for support rather than applying right at 18? Is there someone who can counsel a family about these things? I figure the system is slow enough that I don't want to bother a worker with all my questions.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is for individuals who do not have sufficient work history to qualify for regular social security disability. It is possible for an adult to work part-time and still get a partial SSI check. Also, the number of credits needed to qualify for social security disability is lower for young adults, so it is recommended that a disabled young adult who try working at least part-time if at all possible (social security disability has advantages over SSI, such as higher payments).If you or your spouse retires and begins drawing social security, your child may (at 18+) qualify for social security as a "disabled adult child." In that case, the benefit amount would be based on the parent's work history.How old are your children? If they are in high school, you should ask for a referral to the local vocational rehabilitation office. They can help with determining what type of work may be feasible, including possible accommodations, and they also can help with the benefits questions (or refer you to a benefits specialist).
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