Dependent Benefits for Children

If you are receiving SSDI benefits, your children may be eligible for benefits if they meet certain conditions. The SSA provides benefits to children under the following circumstances:

• Age: Your child must be under 18 years old.
• Full-time Student: If your child is between 18 and 19 and is still in high school as a full-time student, they may still be eligible for benefits.
• Disability: If your child is 18 years or older but has a disability that began before age 22, they may qualify as an adult child with a disability.
• How to Qualify: The child must be your biological child, adopted child, or stepchild, and they must be financially dependent on you.
• Benefit Amount: Typically, a child can receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit amount, depending on how much you are receiving in SSDI.

Dependent Benefits for a Spouse

If you are receiving SSDI benefits, your spouse may also qualify for dependent benefits under certain circumstances:

• Age: Your spouse must be at least 62 years old to qualify for benefits.
• Caregiver to Your Child: If your spouse is taking care of your child under age 16 or your adult child with a disability, they may be eligible for benefits at any age.
• Divorce or Widowed Spouse: A divorced spouse or widowed spouse may also be eligible for dependent SSDI benefits if they meet specific criteria, such as having been married to you for at least 10 years and meeting age or caregiving requirements.
• Benefit Amount: A spouse can generally receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit amount, though the total amount paid to your family cannot exceed a specific limit (often 150% to 180% of your SSDI benefits).

Benefits for Adult Children with Disabilities

If your child is 18 or older and has a disability that began before age 22, they may be eligible for adult child benefits based on your SSDI work record, even if they are no longer living with you.

• What’s Needed: Your adult child must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, and the disability must have started before age 22. Additionally, they must have been financially dependent on you for support.
• Benefit Amount: Like minor children, the adult child can receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit, depending on the family maximum amount.

How Much Can Dependents Receive?

The amount that dependents can receive varies depending on the disabled individual’s work history and SSDI benefits. The SSA has a family maximum benefit (often between 150% and 180% of the disabled worker’s monthly SSDI benefits). This means that while multiple dependents can receive benefits, there is a cap on the total amount paid to the family as a whole.

For example, if your SSDI benefit is $2,000 per month, the family maximum might be $3,000. This means that the total benefits paid to you and your dependents cannot exceed $3,000, and the amount paid to each dependent would be based on the family maximum limit.

How to Apply for Dependent SSDI Benefits

If you are receiving SSDI benefits and believe your dependents may qualify, you can apply for dependent benefits when you apply for your own benefits, or you can add dependents to your existing claim if they were not included initially.

• How to Apply: You can apply for dependent benefits by visiting the SSA website, calling the SSA, or visiting a local Social Security office. The application will ask for information about your dependents, including their age and relationship to you.
• Documentation Needed: You will need to provide supporting documents, such as your child’s birth certificate, your marriage certificate (if applying for a spouse), and any medical records if you’re applying for an adult child with disabilities.

Special Circumstances for Divorced or Widowed Spouses

Divorced or widowed spouses may still be eligible for SSDI benefits under specific conditions:

• Divorced Spouse: If you were married for at least 10 years and are now divorced, your ex-spouse may still be eligible for SSDI benefits if they are at least 62 years old. They can also qualify if they are caring for your child who is under 16 or has a disability.
• Widowed Spouse: A surviving spouse can receive benefits starting at age 60 (or age 50 if they are disabled). The surviving spouse can also receive benefits earlier if they are caring for a child under age 16.