Spousal & Divorced Benefits
Eligibility and Rules for Disabled Adult Child Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 23, 2026
The short answer
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits are available to adult children who became disabled before age 22. These benefits are contingent upon meeting the definition of disability as outlined in the source text and reliance on a parent’s earnings record who is entitled to Retirement or Disability benefits, or who is deceased. A DAC may become re-entitled if a new or previous disability recurs within 84 months of last entitlement termination due to medical improvement or if previously entitled but terminated due to SGA, re-entitlement is allowed after this period.
Eligibility for DAC Benefits
An adult son or daughter aged 18 or over may receive Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) if they meet the definition of disability in §507.1, became disabled before age 22, meet the other requirements for child's insurance benefits in §323, and are not imprisoned for a felony conviction. There is no upper age limit for Childhood Disability Benefits. Additionally, disabled adult children can sometimes qualify on the record of a stepparent or grandparent. For further details, see the Social Security Administration's handbook at https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.05/handbook-0518.html.
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.05/handbook-0518.htmlRe-entitlement to DAC Benefits
A disabled adult child may become re-entitled to Childhood Disability Benefits if they become disabled again, with the recurrence occurring within seven years (84 months) of the last termination due to the ending of the previous disability. From October 1, 2004, P.L. 108-203 allows for re-entitlement to benefits beyond the seven-year period if the prior termination was due to substantial gainful activity (SGA). These benefits are payable without a waiting period. See RS 00203.015 and RS 00203.080 for more details.
RS 00203.080 View source ›Non-Payment and Deductions
DAC benefits may not be payable if the child engages in substantial gainful activity (SGA) or is involved in actions leading to non-payment scenarios, such as remaining outside the U.S. as an alien for more than six months. Any benefits or entitlements may be affected if deductions apply due to other factors, such as SGA during their extended period of eligibility. See RS 00203.030 for additional non-payment conditions.
RS 00203.030 View source ›Frequently asked
How can a Disabled Adult Child receive Social Security benefits?
A Disabled Adult Child (DAC) can receive benefits if they became disabled before age 22 and meet specific requirements, including not being incarcerated, and based on a parent's earnings record of someone eligible for Social Security benefits.
What happens if a Disabled Adult Child works?
A DAC's benefits may be suspended if they engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), although they may be eligible for benefits during an extended period of eligibility. Reference: RS 00203.030 for more on non-payment provisions.
Can a Disabled Adult Child be re-entitled to benefits?
Yes, if they become disabled again within seven years of their benefits ending due to the disability ceasing, or any time if due to SGA post-October 1, 2004. Reference: RS 00203.080.
Until what age can a Disabled Adult Child receive benefits?
There is no upper age limit for receiving Childhood Disability Benefits, provided other eligibility conditions are met.
Can DAC benefits be based on a grandparent’s earnings?
Yes, under certain circumstances, DAC benefits can be linked to the earnings records of a stepparent or grandparent. See HBK 0518 for conditions.