Can I apply for SSDI/DAC for my adult disabled daughter without starting my own SS retirement benefits?

Yes, unfortunately you do need to file for your own retirement benefits before your adult disabled child can receive benefits on your record. The good news is that all the documentation requirements from her previous SSI application should still be relevant - medical records showing disability onset before age 22, etc. I'd strongly recommend consulting with an attorney who specializes in Social Security disability specifically. They can review her previous denial and advise whether the resource issue (the family land) would impact a DAC claim. Unlike SSI, DAC benefits under SSDI aren't affected by resources, only by work activity and marital status.

I went thru something similar with my son last year. The resource limits only apply to SSI, not to DAC benefits under SSDI. But yes you have to be collecting your own benefits first before she can collect on your record. No way around that part unfortunately.

As someone who's worked with many families in similar situations, I want to add some important points: 1. You're correct that your daughter may qualify for DAC benefits on your record, but you MUST file for your own retirement benefits first. 2. DAC eligibility requires proof that her disability began before age 22, she remains unmarried, and she doesn't engage in substantial gainful activity (earning over $1,550/month in 2025). 3. The property ownership that disqualified her for SSI won't matter for DAC benefits, as SSDI has no resource limits. 4. If your retirement benefit would be substantially higher at 70, you need to carefully calculate whether starting early to enable her DAC benefits makes financial sense long-term. 5. YES, consult with a disability attorney specializing in adult disabled child cases - they can review her medical documentation to assess likelihood of approval BEFORE you apply for your own benefits. This is definitely a situation where professional guidance is worth the investment.

Is your daughter living with you? My brother is disabled (autistic) and gets DAC benefits on my dad's record. One thing they don't tell you is that if she gets approved, she'll get Medicare but there's a 24 month waiting period which SUCKS. Also they look at marriage status - if she ever gets married she loses the benefit which seems really unfair IMO.

Ugh the SSA system makes everything SO COMPLICATED!!! Why should you have to sacrifice YOUR full benefit just so your daughter can get what she deserves?? This is exactly why people get so frustrated with the whole system. They set up all these rules that force impossible choices on families already dealing with enough!!!

I work with a disability rights organization, and I'd suggest looking into whether your state has any benefits planning assistance programs (often called WIPA - Work Incentives Planning and Assistance). They can sometimes help you understand the financial implications before you make decisions. Another point: if you have other income/retirement savings, it might make financial sense to live off those for a few years while taking Social Security early to establish your daughter's benefits. This is something a financial advisor could help model for you.

have u contacted any local disability advocacy groups? they sometimes know good lawyers who specialize in this stuff. also if your daughter was denied SSI before doesn't necessarily mean shell be denied SSDI/DAC since the rules r different

I spent 6 MONTHS trying to get SSA on the phone about my son's disability claim last year. Called DAILY and either couldn't get through or got disconnected after waiting for hours. FINALLY I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual agent in 20 minutes! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and their website is claimyr.com. It was SUCH a relief to finally talk to someone who could actually help. Just wanted to share since you might need to consult with SSA directly before making your decision.

one thing nobody mentioned - if your daughter gets approved for DAC and your spouse is also getting benefits on your record there's something called the family maximum that might reduce the total amount your family receives. doesnt affect your benefit but might affect your planning

After reading through all the comments, I'd recommend this approach: 1. Consult with a disability attorney who specializes in DAC claims specifically (not just general disability) 2. Have them review your daughter's medical records and previous SSI denial to assess likelihood of DAC approval 3. Consider scheduling a pre-retirement interview with SSA (use Claimyr if phone access is difficult) to get official information about how your benefit choices affect your daughter's eligibility 4. Run the financial numbers comparing scenarios: (a) take reduced benefits now to enable DAC, or (b) wait until 70 while continuing to support your daughter 5. Make sure your daughter's medical records clearly establish disability onset before age 22 A thorough preparation approach will give you much more confidence in your decision.