Securing Maximum Benefits for Disabled Adult Children
Navigating Social Security benefits for a disabled adult child can be complex—but it doesn’t have to be. At Wettermark Keith, we help families understand eligibility requirements, file claims with confidence, and appeal denials when necessary. Whether your child has never worked or is applying based on a parent’s work record, our team focuses on one goal: securing the full benefits your child is entitled to under the law.
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Our Commitment to Securing DAC Benefits
At Wettermark Keith, we are dedicated to helping families obtain the full range of Social Security benefits available to disabled adult children (DAC). We understand the rules surrounding DAC claims. We know who should qualify, how benefits are calculated based on a parent’s work record, and what evidence is required to prove lifelong disability. When your claim has been denied, we pick it up and make sure that you’re represented with excellence.
If we’re able to appeal your claim, there may also be back pay dating back to their eligibility date. We carefully review each case to ensure no benefit is left unclaimed. With years of experience handling disability claims across the country, our attorneys bring deep knowledge, proven strategies, and personalized attention to every case we take on.
Understanding Your Disabled Adult Child Benefits Denial
A denial of DAC benefits can be frustrating, especially when your child clearly meets the requirements. Denials are often caused by missing documentation, an incomplete medical history, or a lack of clarity around when the disability began. The Social Security Administration requires clear, consistent evidence that your child’s disability began before the age of 22 and prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
If your DAC claim has been denied, you still have options. At Wettermark Keith, we begin by reviewing the denial notice and identifying any weaknesses or oversights in the original application. From there, we build a targeted strategy to strengthen the case and move forward with a formal appeal.
Disabled Adult Child Benefits Requirements
To qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, the Social Security Administration requires that certain medical and technical criteria be met:
- The individual must be 18 or older and unmarried
- The disability must have started before age 22
- The individual must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, meaning the condition prevents substantial gainful work
- The parent the claim is based on must be deceased, disabled, or receiving retirement benefits
- The adult child must not be receiving benefits on their own work record that exceed the DAC benefit amount
Meeting these requirements is only part of the process. The application must be supported with strong documentation, including medical records, work history (if applicable), and verification of the parent’s benefit status.
Filing an Appeal for DAC Benefits
If your child’s DAC claim was denied, you have a limited window to appeal and acting quickly is critical. The appeals process begins with a request for reconsideration, where a new reviewer evaluates your case and any updated evidence. If the claim is denied again, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is often where claims are successfully overturned, especially when supported by legal representation and strong documentation.
At Wettermark Keith, we manage the entire appeals process. From filing paperwork and gathering additional records to preparing you and your child for the hearing. Our goal is to correct the issues that led to the denial and present a complete, compelling case for approval.
Helping Secure Your Child’s DAC Benefits
A denied claim is not the end of the road. Many valid DAC applications are initially denied due to missing documentation, technical errors, or misunderstandings about eligibility. At Wettermark Keith, we help families move forward with confidence. When it’s time to fight through an appeal, our team is ready to guide you and advocate for the benefits your child deserves.
Clarifying the Denial
Understanding why a claim was denied is the first step toward a successful appeal. Our team begins by closely reviewing the denial letter and the original application to identify what went wrong. Whether it was a lack of medical evidence, a missed requirement, or a paperwork issue. After we identify the cause, we build a tailored plan to move forward with a stronger case.
Building a Stronger Case for the Appeal
To increase the chance of success on appeal, the application must clearly demonstrate that your child meets all DAC requirements. We help gather missing medical records, secure updated evaluations, and fill in any gaps in documentation. Our goal is to present a more complete, detailed case that aligns with the Social Security Administration’s standards.
Securing DAC Benefits
We manage the entire appeals process from start to finish. From filing paperwork and meeting deadlines to representing you at hearings, we handle every detail with care and precision. Our team stays involved until your child’s claim is resolved and the benefits they are entitled to are secured.
DAC Benefits Back-Pay
If your child is approved for DAC benefits after an appeal, they may be eligible for back pay. This includes benefits owed from the original application date or the date they first became eligible. We carefully review the timeline of your case to ensure all past-due benefits are properly calculated and recovered. Our goal is to make sure your child receives the full financial support they are owed.
Our Disability Attorneys
Hear from Our Clients
Real families turn to us when the system feels uncertain. Many of our clients came to us after a denial, unsure of what to do next. Their stories show how we stepped in, brought clarity to the process, and fought to secure the benefits their children deserved. Their experiences reflect the focused, results-driven advocacy we bring to every case.
Types of Social Security Claims We Handle
At Wettermark Keith, we represent clients across a wide range of Social Security Disability matters. When your claim gets denied we can help you appeal a denied claim, our experienced team is prepared to guide you through every stage and step. We focus on building strong cases backed by thorough documentation and a deep understanding of Social Security regulations.
SSI Denial
We help individuals appeal denied Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims, often due to incomplete documentation, income eligibility questions, or insufficient medical evidence.
SSDI Denial
Our team assists clients in challenging denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims by identifying weaknesses in the original application and submitting stronger supporting evidence.
SSI Reconsideration
This is the first level of appeal for SSI claims. We help gather persuasive evidence and submit updated documentation for review by a new decision-maker within the SSA.
SSDI Reconsideration
We handle the SSDI reconsideration process by thoroughly reviewing your denial, gathering additional evidence, and making a clear case for approval based on your disability and work history.
Child Disability SSI
We represent families seeking SSI benefits for children with physical or mental conditions that significantly limit daily activities and meet strict financial eligibility requirements.
Disabled Adult Child
We help families apply for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record when a disability begins before the child turns 22 and prevents substantial employment.
Our Process
The appeals process for Social Security benefits is detailed and time-sensitive, but with the right legal team, it becomes manageable. At Wettermark Keith, we focus on getting it right the first time. We’ll identify exactly what your case needs, correct the issues that led to the denial, and push it forward with a strategy built for results. Every step is handled with purpose, precision, and your child’s eligibility in mind.
Free Consultation
We start with a free consultation to review your denial, explain your options, and determine whether your case qualifies for an appeal. You’ll get a clear understanding of the next steps before anything moves forward.
File Your Appeal
Once we take your case, we handle all the paperwork and deadlines. Our team gathers updated medical records, addresses any weaknesses in the original claim, and submits a complete appeal on your behalf.
Secure DAC Benefits
We represent you through the full appeals process, including hearings, and work to secure both ongoing benefits and any back pay your child may be owed. Our job isn’t done until a resolution is reached.
No Benefits, No
Fee - Guarantee
We believe you shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees while fighting for the benefits your child deserves. That’s why Wettermark Keith works on a contingency basis. You don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case. If we’re successful, our fee comes from a portion of the awarded benefits. If we don’t win, you owe no legal fees.
Please note that certain out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical record fees or filing costs, may still apply regardless of the outcome. We are always transparent about these costs before moving forward, so you know exactly what to expect.
We Represent Clients in All 50 States
No matter where you live, Wettermark Keith is here to help. Our firm represents clients in all 50 states, providing nationwide support for Social Security Disability claims, including DAC, SSI, and SSDI cases. With a well-established remote process, we’re able to assist families across the country efficiently and effectively.
Our commitment to quality representation has earned us national recognition. We’re proud to be named one of the Top 100 Disability Law Firms in the United States by the American Council on Rehabilitation and Disability (ACRD).
