How to Apply for Disabled Adult Child Benefits: A Step-by-Step Guide

Can you help me confirm the best way to begin the application process and which disability report, adult or child, is needed to apply for the Disabled Adult Child benefit? On the website, it states that this benefit cannot be filed for online, and you must call in to start the process which requires the ADULT Disability report.  However, in the 2023 Benefits for Children with Disabilities brochure it says you can complete the CHILD Disability report online and you will be contacted after submission to begin the application. Any clarity here on how to guide my clients would be greatly appreciated!

The child’s disability application cannot be filed online.  What they suggest saving time is to complete the form SSA-3368 which is the medical report form which can be found on the SSA website under forms. It’s not something that has to be done in advance, but it will shorten the application process by about an hour if completed in advance.  I would always call the 800-772-1213 and make an appointment first to protect the filing date for the disabled child in case past due benefits may be payable. When applying for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, it's important to follow the correct procedure to ensure a smooth process. Here’s the best way to guide your clients:

1. Start with an Appointment:

   • Call to Protect Filing Date: The first step is to call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to make an appointment. This call will protect the filing date for the disabled adult child, which is crucial in case there are past-due benefits that may be payable.

2. Disability Report:

   • Complete the SSA-3368 Adult Disability Report: Although the SSA website states that the DAC benefit cannot be filed for online, completing the Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368) in advance can save time during the application process. This form is required because the DAC benefit is for adults, even though it’s related to a condition that began in childhood.

3. Clarification on Forms:

   • Adult vs. Child Disability Report: There’s some confusion due to the SSA’s 2023 "Benefits for Children with Disabilities" brochure, which suggests that the Child Disability Report (SSA-3820) can be completed online. However, for DAC benefits, the Adult Disability Report is the correct form, as the benefit is technically for an adult, even though the disability began before age 22.

4. Proceeding with the Application:

   • Complete SSA-3368 First: While the application for DAC benefits cannot be filed online, having the SSA-3368 completed before your appointment will streamline the process, potentially reducing the time spent in the application process by about an hour.

In summary, the best approach is to call SSA to set up an appointment and protect the filing date. Then, complete the Adult Disability Report (SSA-3368) before the appointment to expedite the process. This will ensure your client is on the right track and ready to proceed efficiently. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out!

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