Childhood Disability Benefit (CDB) Attorney — Washington

Your Guide to Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) in Washington State

Parents of children with disabilities often face additional challenges and considerations as their children age. For instance, the parents will need to plan for their eventual retirement and put together an estate plan that protects their loved ones and legacy. In addition to these considerations, these individuals must take steps to ensure that their children will continue to receive the care and support they need once their caregivers are no longer able to do so themselves. Whether you are just beginning your estate planning journey in Washington state or you are interested in exploring possible Social Security insurance benefits that could help to provide security and stability for your growing child, it’s worth discussing your options with a knowledgeable and caring Spokane childhood disability benefits attorney. Together, you can discuss whether the Childhood Disability Benefit (CDB)—also known as the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit—can provide you with the peace of mind you need to face the future with greater confidence. 

What Are Childhood Disability Benefits?

First, it’s helpful to understand what the Childhood Disability Benefits program is and how it works. Essentially, CDB is structured as a monthly cash payment provided to the adult child. The amount of the monthly payment is calculated using the social security earnings record of the adult child’s parent. An adult child with a disability is entitled to receive one-half of the parents’ primary insurance amount if the parent is still living (or three-fourths of the primary insurance amount if the parent has passed away). If the parents of the adult child are both retired, disabled, or deceased, the adult child is entitled to receive the CDB benefits that are based on the account of the parent with the higher primary insurance amount. 

Qualifying for Childhood Disability Benefits in Washington State

As with any Social Security program, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria in order to qualify for assistance. An adult child with a disability may receive CDB based on a parent’s social security record as long as the following elements are met:

• A formal application for Childhood Disability Benefits is filed
• The adult child meets the definition of “disabled” that applies to all Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) applicants
• The adult child is not married
• The applicant is 18 or older and has a qualifying disability that began before the age of 22
• The parent is entitled to SSDI or retirement insurance benefits (or has passed away)

It’s possible for some applicants to become eligible for CDB based on the account of a stepparent or grandparent. If you have questions about your child’s eligibility for Childhood Disability Benefits in the greater Spokane area, reach out to a trusted and compassionate SSDI attorney today for the customized legal guidance you need.

Recognizing How Work Can Impact CDB Eligibility

Since CDB is intended to support adult children with disabilities, an applicant must be able to demonstrate that they have not participated in what’s known as “Substantial Gainful Activity” after the development of the disability but prior to qualifying for CDB. Should the applicant find gainful employment before initially qualifying for CDB, this will likely jeopardize their eligibility for these benefits. However, it’s possible for someone who has already qualified for CDB to participate in a trial work period where they may continue to receive the full amount of CDB benefits for nine months while they work, even if this income exceeds the eligibility threshold for CDB assistance. If the individual decides to continue with their work after the trial period ends, the CDB assistance will end. However, if their income falls below the current Substantial Gainful Activity amount at any time, or if all work stops within 36 months of receiving CDB benefits, the applicant does not need to reapply for these benefits to continue. For more information about the interplay between CDB assistance and potential employment, we encourage you to contact Schott Law to review your options with a dedicated and empathetic SSDI lawyer. 

Compassionate Legal Support For You And Your Loved Ones

As the parent of a child with a disability, it can be hard to understand the various types of financial support that may be available to you and your loved ones. That’s why the dedicated and caring team at Schott Law is ready to work by your side to understand your specific needs and goals so that we can identify the most strategic path forward. Our goal is to empower you to make more informed decisions with greater clarity and confidence. Please reach out to our office at your earliest convenience to get started. 

The dedicated and caring legal team at Schott Law is committed to ensuring Washington residents understand their options for securing the benefits they need. To learn more about how to apply for Childhood Disability Benefits or other forms of assistance, contact Schott Law today at (509) 328-5789 to arrange a consultation.