Can Disability Benefits Be Paid to Noncustodial Children?

Children may qualify to receive Social Security Disability benefits from a noncustodial parent.

Children of a noncustodial parent may qualify to receive that parent's Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. According to the Social Security Administration's National 800 Number Telephone Services, qualification is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Noncustodial Parents and Children

In a sole custody arrangement, the noncustodial parent does not assume primary care of the child. However, the noncustodial parent often has visitation rights, states the "American Bar Association Guide to Family Law."

Social Security Disability Insurance

According to the SSA, an individual with a disability and certain family members of the individual can receive SSDI benefits, as long as the individual has a medical condition that qualifies as a disability and has been employed in jobs that are covered by Social Security.

Benefits for Noncustodial Children

According to the SSA National 800 Number Telephone Services, SSDI benefits can be paid to noncustodial children--if the child is under the age of 18, if the child is a full-time student age 18 or 19, or if the child is age 18 or older and has a disability. The noncustodial parent through whom the child is receiving benefits must have a long enough work history for his child to receive benefits. The work history criterion is decided on a case-by-case basis.

References

• Social Security Administration National 800 Telephone Services. 800-772-1213.
• "American Bar Association Guide to Family Law"; Jeff Atkinson; 2000.
• Social Security Administration: How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits.

Resources

• Social Security Administration: Social Security Disability Insurance