In the United States, households with a person who has a dependent disability may qualify to get monthly benefits that provide essential financial support. These benefits are designed to help families cover basic and specific expenses of caring for a disabled dependent, thereby alleviating the financial impact of ongoing, specialized care.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers several assistance programs for people with dependent disabilities, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These benefits are available to those who meet eligibility requirements, and each program provides help based on the dependent’s financial situation and need for care.
To better understand the situation, we explore how to apply for these monthly benefits, the requirements, and how families can obtain essential financial support to watch out for their loved ones.
Requirements to apply for a disability dependent’s monthly benefit
To qualify and apply for Social Security monthly benefits, a household with a disabled dependent must meet certain criteria established by the SSA. Here we explain the main requirements to qualify for these benefits:
- Evaluation of the dependent’s disability: The dependent must have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. This includes physical or mental conditions that prevent him/her from working or performing daily activities independently. The disability must be of a long-term nature and is generally required to have lasted or be expected to last at least one year.
- Household Financial Condition: To qualify for SSI, the household must have income and resources within the limits established by SSA. These income limits vary depending on the number of people in the household and the type of income received. In contrast, SSDI is based on the dependent’s or legal guardian’s work history, if the dependent or legal guardian meets the eligibility requirements.
- United States Residency: SSA requires that the applicant and disabled dependent be legal residents of the United States, although in some cases, U.S. citizens residing in certain foreign countries may also qualify.
These programs provide financial benefits to families who meet these requirements, providing support that helps meet the basic needs and care of the disabled dependent. The final amount will depend on the family’s overall situation, so each case is totally unique.
How to apply for the disability benefit and get monthly support
If you are eligible and wish to apply for the monthly benefit for a disabled dependent, follow these steps to apply and ensure you get assistance in a timely manner:
- Gather the necessary documentation: For the application, the SSA requires several documents that verify the dependent’s disability, household income level, and residency in the country. Some of the common documents include medical records, proof of income and residency status.
- Apply online or in person: You can apply for SSI or SSDI through the SSA’s official website, My Social Security, or go to a local Social Security office to apply in person. Applying online can streamline the process and allows you to upload documents electronically.
- Wait for SSA’s evaluation and follow-up: Once the application is submitted, SSA will review the documents and may conduct an additional evaluation of the dependent’s status. This process may take several weeks, depending on the number of applications and the complexity of the case.
Getting the monthly Social Security benefit can make a big difference in the lives of families watching out for a dependent with a disability. With these funds, it is possible to cover additional costs for medical care, special equipment, and other necessary expenses to provide a better quality of life for the dependent.
In addition, remember that it is also possible to get other benefits such as SSI, SNAP or any of the stimulus checks sent by the United States Government for Tax Refund or other reasons.
