Dec
01
2012
By Guest (not verified)
Hello. I became Ill in 2010 with acute transverse myelitis. I was left unable to walk or use my arms in a 24 hour time period. I was immediately accepted for disability. My father shortly after was diagnosed with Lou Gherigs disease and recently my older sister mentioned to me that I would be able to collect his benefits upon his passing(which won't be long as it's a rapidly progressive disease).
I was 26 at the time of becoming sick and I was under the impression it would have to have been before I turned 22? Does any of that sound remotely factual? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Survivor benefits for disabled surviving child
I'm not sure I understand the question, but it sounds like you're wonder if, as a disabled surviving child, you qualify for survivor benefits.
Normally, adult (older than 18) surviving children do not receive survivor benefits. However, you can get survivor benefits at any age if you were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.
On this basis, I would say you would not receive survivor benefits.
It sounds as if you are receiving Social Security disability benefits (based on your work record - not as a surviving child). Even if you did qualify for survivor benefits, Social Security normally pays out the single highest benefit.
Regardless, I recommend contacting the SSA directly for your specific case.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ifyou4.htm