Some children can’t get SSI because their parents’ income is too high. When you turn 18 though, SSI no longer assumes that your parents are giving you money for your basic needs. This means that their income no longer counts when SSI determines your eligibility and benefit amount. If you were turned down for SSI before you turned 18, you may want to reapply after your 18^th birthday, because parental income is no longer deemed then. Most people also get Medi-Cal when they qualify for SSI.

Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB)

If you have a disability and also have a parent who gets Social Security Disability or Retirement benefits, you may be eligible for Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB), and along with it, Medicare. It’s a “Childhood” benefit because it’s based on your parent’s work record. It used to be known as “Disabled Adult Child” benefits (DAC). The eligibility rules for CDB are similar to those for the Title II child’s benefits. You have to:

• Have a parent who receives a Social Security Disability or Retirement Insurance benefit (or had one who had enough credits to qualify before they died),
• Be over 18 and have become disabled before you turn 22,
• Not be married, unless your spouse gets SSDI or CDB as well, and
• Meet the adult definition of disability.

There’s no waiting period between being approved and getting your benefit, but you do have to wait 24 months between becoming eligible for CDB and receiving Medicare. It’s important to realize that you don’t automatically get CDB when you turn 18. You have to apply for the benefit, even if you were getting a Title II child’s benefit. Check with your Social Security claims representative for instructions on how to apply. Also, if you’re on SSI, your CDB benefit will count as unearned income. If your CDB benefit is high enough, you won’t receive an SSI benefit. However, people in this situation have special Medi-Cal protections: you will be able to keep your Medi-Cal if you lose your SSI because of becoming eligible for CDB.