If there is a possibility that we may find a child entitled as a full-time student,
or as a disabled child, develop the entitlement as disabled child. For information
on who is eligible for student benefits, see RS 00205.001.
NOTE: The advantages of a child being entitled as a disabled child rather than a full-time
student are:
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•
Spouse's, mother's or father's benefits may be payable if the “in care” requirements
are met.
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•
Follow-ups to establish whether the child continues to be a full-time student are
unnecessary.
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The child's benefits will not automatically terminate at age 19 (age 22, if a phase-out
student).
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•
The child will be entitled to health insurance benefits (and have the option to elect
Supplementary Medical Insurance benefits) after 24 months of entitlement as a disabled
child.
EXCEPTION: 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. Thus, pay
monthly benefits while processing the disability claim. If the disability is established,
the Program Service Center (PSC) will prepare an award for Childhood Disability Benefits
(CDB) for all months for which the child could be entitled and make the necessary
changes in coding, diarying, etc.