BASIC (07-08)

Take a claim for childhood disability benefits even if it appears that the disabled claimant could be entitled as a full-time student. (See RS 00205.001 “Who Is Eligible For Student Benefits”). The advantages of a child being entitled as a disabled child rather than as a full-time student are:

• Spouse's, mother's, or father's benefits may be payable if the “child-in-care” requirements are met.

• Follow-ups to determine continuing entitlement to student’s benefits are eliminated. (See RS 00205.325 “When Student Benefits Terminate”)

• Benefits will not automatically terminate at age 19.

• The child will be entitled to Health Insurance Benefits (Medicare Part A) and have the option to elect Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits (Part B), after 24 months of entitlement as a disabled child.

However, where it appears that there will be a delay in processing the child's claim based on disability, develop to establish the child's entitlement as a student so monthly benefits can be paid while the disability claim is being processed.