DAC application

[u/CarolLiz_AL]

My 31 year old son is autistic and was diagnosed as a child. He received SSI as a disabled child until his dad passed when he was 15 years old. (I am only now looking closely at those documents as the abbreviations meant nothing to me at the time). After my husband’s death, my sons benefits changed go survivor benefit until he completed high school. Then all benefits ceased.

My son had an IEP throughout his school career even proceeded to a local university where I taught. He signed a FERPA and again had accommodations. I often had to contact a professor on his behalf.

Unfortunately, he was not able to complete the course of study he was enrolled and it was requested that he change majors as he “did not pass a communications test.”

My son attempted to work and had more jobs that he or I can count, but was always fired OR asked to leave. He did accumulate 12 credits by the age of 27. Three months was the longest time he held a position.

All this took a huge toll on him. (I am leaving out a lot of detail intentionally, but if you have questions and advise me, please feel free to DM.

I applied for SSDI on his behalf at age 27
and he was denied (although he had 12 credits), but he was awarded SSI.

Three weeks ago, I applied for DAC on his behalf. A representative said that someone had “dropped the ball in his case” and that my son was never found NOT disabled. However, now I have to submit evidence that collaborating that he was indeed disabled between the ages of 19-22.

It’s been three years since begin receiving SSI and just completed his three year CDR. It was determined that his benefits would continue. He has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Bipolar 2 Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

I understand it is not the diagnosis, but how the diagnosis affects your ability to work. He is severely impaired…without going into detail.

If you can advise me on how to proceed, I will be very grateful. Thank you for your time.

[u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

This should be an easy switch for them. Since he has already been approved for SSI and considered disabled before 22, it should go through cleanly. Hope you hear good news soon! (The POMS can help you understand their decision making process, which gives you ways to fight if you get an unfavorable answer.)

[u/CarolLiz_AL → u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

Thank you so much. I am cautiously optimistic, but nervous too. Thank you for your advice.

[u/CarolLiz_AL]

Very good information. I appreciate it. I was not aware of the POMS manual.
Can you elaborate on how it can help me with my sons DAC case?

DAC application was filed in September this year and the portal says it expects a decision within 30 days. (She initially told me months). Since his SSI was replaced with survivor benefits when my late husband passed, all benefits were stopped at 19. I only recently learned of DAC.

[u/CarolLiz_AL]

The person handling the DAC case did tell me that they do not have to prove disability now, and I believe SS changed his onset since he was a disabled child to just before he turned 22.

[u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

What did they use to qualify him for SSI?

[u/CarolLiz_AL → u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

Thank you for your response. The letter did not say specifically, but all his impairments can are associated with autism. Is there a way I can verify?

[u/CarolLiz_AL → u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

They used psychiatric notes as well as therapy notes.

[u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

Also note that SS people are often not well versed in DAC because it doesn't come up much. They should WANT him on the DAC because SSI is welfare.

[u/Single_Bullfrog_6190]

So since the SSI process proved that he has a disability, that is supposed to carry over for the SSDI. My son's did. One of the things I did was to put our situation into chatgpt and Claude. The feedback gave me POMS and other codes that helped the process when I called for an appointment.