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Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a significant disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Unlike SSI, SSDI is not means-tested — it is based on the worker's earnings record. For families navigating disability benefits, SSDI is most relevant in two scenarios: a parent who becomes disabled and can no longer work, or an adult child (age 18+) with a disability that began before age 22 who can collect Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on a parent's earnings record when the parent retires, becomes disabled, or dies. DAC benefits can be substantial and come with Medicare eligibility after a 24-month waiting period.
Disabled Adult Child benefits under SSDI can provide lifetime income and Medicare for adults with developmental disabilities. Families should ensure their child's disability is well-documented before age 22 to preserve future DAC eligibility.