Disabled Adult Child

A denial of DAC benefits can be frustrating, especially when your child clearly meets the requirements. The Social Security Administration (SSA) often denies claims due to:

• Missing medical documentation
• Incomplete medical history
• Lack of clear evidence that disability began before age 22
• Failure to prove inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Technical errors in paperwork

The SSA requires clear, consistent medical evidence showing that the disability:

• Began before age 22
• Continues into adulthood
• Prevents substantial employment

At Wettermark Keith, we begin by reviewing your denial notice and identifying weaknesses in the original application. From there, we build a strategy to strengthen the case and move forward with a formal DAC appeal.

To qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits, the SSA requires that all of the following criteria be met:

• The individual is 18 years or older
• The individual is unmarried (with limited exceptions)
• The disability began before age 22
• The disability meets the SSA definition of disability
• The parent is deceased, disabled, or receiving retirement benefits
• The adult child is not receiving higher benefits on their own work record

Meeting these requirements is only the first step. A successful application must include:

• Comprehensive medical records
• Evidence of functional limitations
• Documentation proving disability onset before age 22
• Verification of the parent’s Social Security status

If your child’s Disabled Adult Child claim was denied, you have a limited time to appeal. Acting quickly is critical.

What Is the First Step in the DAC Appeals Process?

The first stage is filing a Request for Reconsideration, where a new SSA reviewer examines the case and any updated evidence.

What Happens If Reconsideration Is Denied?

If denied again, the next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Many DAC claims are successfully approved at the hearing level, especially when supported by strong medical documentation and experienced legal representation.

At Wettermark Keith, we manage the entire appeals process, including:

• Filing all required paperwork
• Gathering updated medical records
• Preparing legal arguments
• Representing your family at hearings
• Meeting all deadlines

How Do You Clarify the Denial?

We carefully review the denial letter and the full Social Security file to identify:

• Missing documentation
• Weak medical evidence
• Onset date issues
• Technical mistakes

Once we identify the issue, we create a tailored plan to correct it.

How Do You Build a Stronger DAC Case?

To increase the likelihood of approval, we:

• Gather updated medical records
• Secure physician statements confirming disability before age 22
• Document long-term functional limitations
• Clarify employment limitations
• Strengthen evidence linking childhood disability to adult impairment

Our goal is to present a clear, complete case that aligns with SSA standards.

Will You Handle the Entire Process?

Yes. From reconsideration to Administrative Law Judge hearings, we manage every stage of the appeal until your child’s claim is resolved.

If your child is approved after an appeal, they may be eligible for back pay. This includes benefits owed from:

• The date of original application
• The date eligibility began, depending on SSA rules

We carefully review timelines to ensure all past-due benefits are calculated correctly and fully recovered.

Wettermark Keith represents clients nationwide in a wide range of Social Security disability matters, including:

• SSI Denials
• SSDI Denials
• SSI Reconsideration Appeals
• SSDI Reconsideration Appeals
• Child Disability SSI
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Claims
• Administrative Law Judge Hearings
• Appeals Council Reviews

We build strong cases backed by medical evidence and a deep understanding of Social Security regulations.

What Happens During the Free Consultation?

We begin with a detailed case review to evaluate eligibility, review the denial, and determine the strongest path forward.

Who Files the Appeal?

Our legal team prepares and submits all reconsideration or hearing paperwork, gathers additional documentation, and ensures deadlines are met.

Do You Represent Families at Hearings?

Yes. We represent families at Administrative Law Judge hearings and advocate for full approval of DAC benefits and any back pay owed.

No. Wettermark Keith handles Disabled Adult Child cases on a contingency fee basis.

• No upfront attorney fees
• No legal fees unless we win
• Transparent explanation of any case-related expenses

If we are successful, our fee is paid from a portion of the awarded benefits. If we do not win, you owe no attorney fees.

Yes. Wettermark Keith represents clients in all 50 states. Our firm has the resources and experience to assist families nationwide with DAC, SSI, and SSDI claims.

We are proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Disability Law Firms in the United States by the American Council on Rehabilitation and Disability (ACRD). Our focus remains on delivering results-driven advocacy for families who depend on Social Security disability benefits.

If your child’s Disabled Adult Child benefits were denied, or if you need help filing a new DAC application, do not wait. Social Security appeals are time-sensitive. Contact Wettermark Keith today for a free consultation. Our experienced Social Security disability attorneys will review your case and begin building a stronger claim immediately.