Filing Social Security disability for adult son in coma - what happens when/if he recovers?

I'm so sorry about your son. Yes, absolutely file for SSDI right away! The approval process takes months even in clear-cut cases like this. Since your son can't apply himself, you'll need to become his representative. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start the process of becoming his authorized representative. You'll complete form SSA-1696. As for his future benefits - SSDI won't negatively impact his retirement benefits. If he recovers enough to work again, SSA has work incentive programs that allow beneficiaries to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. Look up the Trial Work Period (TWP) and Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE).

I'm in almost the EXACT same situation with my daughter (31) who had a brain aneurysm last year. It took FOREVER to get through to anyone at Social Security!!! I called that 800 number for WEEKS and either got disconnected or was on hold for 2+ hours!!! Their offices are still appointment only in my area. The stress on top of dealing with her medical situation was UNBEARABLE!!!

my brother had same thing happen. been on ssdi 4 years. when he got better and started working again they have this thing called trial work period where u can work 9 months (dont have to be in a row) and still get payments. after that theres like a 3 year period where if u cant work again u can get benefits again without reapplying. its actually pretty flexable.

Sorry to hear about your son. This happened to my cousin's wife last year and they had all kinds of problems with the disability application. The thing no one tells you is that they will deny almost EVERYONE the first time! It's like their policy or something. Be prepared to appeal!

doesnt he need work credits to qualify for disability? if hes 35 he probably has enough but thats important

To address your question about checking work credits: You can help your son create/access his my Social Security account at ssa.gov where you can see his earnings record and approximate benefits. As his representative, you should be able to access this information. Regarding SSDI vs. SSI: - SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on work history and FICA tax contributions. Benefits are typically higher. - SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based with strict income and resource limits ($2,000 in assets for individuals in 2025). Benefit amounts are lower. With your son's work history, SSDI is the program you want to pursue. Also important to know: Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after SSDI entitlement, which could be important for his long-term care.

Don't forget to apply for Medicare too!!! My son got approved for SSDI but I DIDN'T KNOW I needed to separately enroll him in Medicare after 2 years and we MISSED important enrollment period!!! Now we have to wait and pay penalties. The system is DESIGNED to confuse people!!!

So sorry about your son! My brother was in a similar situation after a stroke but I just wanted to say don't worry about hurting his retirement in the long run. When disability converts to retirement at full retirement age, they use a special calculation to make sure the years on disability don't count against your lifetime earnings average (they call it a "disability freeze"). So those zero income years while he's recovering won't drag down his retirement amount later.

One more important point: gather as much medical documentation as possible before applying. Get detailed statements from his neurologists about prognosis and expected recovery timeline. The more medical evidence you have upfront, the smoother the process. Also, get a letter from his employer confirming his last day worked and any workplace disability coverage details. You mentioned his workplace disability only covers 6 months - be aware there's a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits to begin after the onset date. So apply immediately to minimize any gap between his workplace coverage ending and SSDI beginning.

I'm so sorry to hear about your son's accident. As someone who went through the SSDI application process for my disabled spouse, I want to emphasize a few key points that haven't been fully covered: 1. **Apply immediately** - Don't wait for his workplace disability to run out. The application process can take 3-6 months even for clear cases, and there's that 5-month waiting period before benefits begin. 2. **Representative payee vs. authorized representative** - Since your son is incapacitated, you'll likely need to become his representative payee (not just authorized representative). This gives you legal authority to manage his benefits if approved. 3. **Document everything** - Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and communications with doctors. This will be crucial if you need to appeal or provide additional evidence. 4. **Consider contacting a disability attorney** - Many work on contingency (no upfront fees) and can help navigate the system, especially for complex cases involving brain injuries where recovery timelines are uncertain. The good news is that severe TBI cases like your son's often qualify under the Compassionate Allowance program, which can significantly speed up the approval process. Wishing you and your son the best during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your son's accident - this must be an incredibly difficult time for your family. As someone who works in disability advocacy, I want to add a few practical tips to the excellent advice already given: **Timing is critical** - File the application now, even while he's still in a coma. The "established onset date" will be the date of his accident, so you're not losing any time by applying early. **Medical documentation strategy** - Request a comprehensive medical summary from his treating neurologist that specifically addresses his functional limitations and prognosis. SSA needs to understand not just his diagnosis, but how it affects his ability to work. Brain injury cases can be complex because recovery varies so much. **Financial planning** - If approved, SSDI benefits are retroactive to 5 months after the established onset date. So if his accident was in January, benefits would start in June, but he'd receive back pay for those months when the claim is approved. **State resources** - Contact your state's disability determination services office - they often have expedited processing for cases involving coma/severe brain injury. Also check if your state has a Protection & Advocacy organization that provides free assistance with disability claims. The uncertainty about his recovery is heartbreaking, but the work incentive programs really do provide flexibility if he's able to return to work eventually. You're being a great advocate for him during this crisis.