Are More SSI Recipients Entitled to CDB Benefits?
September 11, 2012
A recent study by SSA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) finds that a number of SSI recipients who were potentially eligible for Title II benefits as disabled child beneficiaries were not receiving those benefits. OIG estimates that there are approximately 2,160 such potential beneficiaries, due underpayments totaling approximately $9.6 million.
“Adult children” may be eligible for these Title II benefits - now known as Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) - when certain criteria are met, such as being dependent on the parent; being age 18 or older and disabled before reaching age 22; and having a parent who is entitled to Disability or Retirement Insurance benefits or was insured at the time of death. A number of such “adult children” may be found eligible for SSI benefits under their own Social Security numbers without consideration of their eligibility for CDB. In some situations, the CDB benefits would serve to offset the SSI payments; in others, they could replace the SSI benefits. This is significant to SSA, as SSI is supposed to a program of “last resort.” And of course, it can be very significant to the potential beneficiaries.
OIG identified a number of glitches that caused these errors. SSA has taken action to identify and prevent future missed entitlements, such a reminding staff and providing refresher training. A word to wise, however. Make sure you help identify your own clients who might be eligible for additional benefits and bring them to the attention of SSA.
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