There are several parts to this question, therefore several parts to the answer. Health Care: A child age 26 or over who is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability that existed before age 26 is also an eligible family member. In determining whether the child is a covered family member, your employing office will look at the child’s relationship to you as the enrollee. Life Insurance: Many times it may be possible to build an estate or trust based on life insurance benefits, rather than relying on the government benefits, especially if the special need’s child may not qualify. FERS / CSRS: Survivor Benefit: A special need child can receive survivor benefits, if the child with disability, was disabled before age 18. Social Security: If you child is younger than age 18 and has disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Also for adults who became disabled in childhood (prior to age 22), and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This is called SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it’s paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record. You may wish to contact your local Social Security Office for more information.