What is DAC (Disabled Adult Child) vs. Non-DAC status?
DAC: What Does it Mean?
The 1634 DAC (Disabled Adult Child) designation comes from the federal Social Security Administration. If an individual meets all of the criteria below, they may qualify for Medicaid as a Disabled Adult Child under Section 1634 of the Social Security Act (regarding DAC). Eligibility for Medicaid may continue as long as the person is determined blind or disabled; however, if the person receives income from another source or exceeds the resource limits, they may become ineligible for Medicaid coverage.
An individual may be eligible as a 1634 DAC if he/she:
- is at least 18 years of age
- has blindness or a disability which began before the age of 22
- has been receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on blindness or disability, and
- has lost Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to the receipt of Social Security benefits on a parent’s record due to the retirement, death or disability of a parent (SSDI)
Non-DAC: What Does it Mean?
A limited group of individuals has been identified who have never received an SSI benefit prior to receiving their current SSDI benefit due to a parent’s retirement or survivor benefit, and are therefore not eligible as a §1634 DAC. As a result of this benefit, which qualifies as income, they have been deemed ineligible for Medicaid. The Division designates this group of individuals as “Non-DAC” (as long as the individual does not have other income or assets that would otherwise create a barrier to Medicaid eligibility). This designation does not impact the Medicaid eligibility determination but is an internal Division designation.
Until further notice, any individual determined as a “Non-DAC” through review by the Medicaid Eligibility Helpdesk will continue to receive current DDD services while we work with Medicaid to identify eligibility solutions. Continuation of these services will be contingent on the final outcome of these policy decisions. In addition, individuals completing DDD's intake process designated as “Non-DAC” will be able to receive day and other support services.
