Disability Benefits for Family
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are monthly payments delivered to spouses, children and families. These payments help to preserve the quality of life for individuals and families in need.
Overall, SSDI is a program used by those who meet the specific agency criteria. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate a number of financial, vocational and medical criteria. Certain members of a family can also qualify for benefits on a member’s record.
Benefits may be paid to spouses, divorced spouses, children or disabled children. When qualified family members apply for benefits, those family members must provide their Social Security numbers. They must also provide their birth certificates. This form of information is vital, as it verifies the identity and identifying information of each member of the family.
Maximum Family Social Security Benefits
When the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates the benefits for each family member, the SSA takes several things into consideration. Generally, each family member may receive as much as 50 percent of the primary member’s disability rate. Nonetheless, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will eventually cap the amount it pays any given family.
The total in benefits paid to a family varies. The SSA will calculate that total based on both the amount paid to the disabled member and the number of qualifying family members overall. Generally, the total amount any family can receive is between 150 and 180 percent of one’s disability benefit.
When the sum of the amount paid for a given account exceeds the family limit, each family member’s amount is reduced proportionately. The benefit of the primary account is not affected.
A divorced spouse qualified for benefits will not affect the benefits amount a family can receive.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will, however, ask for proof of marriage, and prior marriage dates, where applicable.
Social Security Disability Benefits For Family Members
The Disability Benefits for Family members depends on specific variables and factors. For spouses, there are two primary conditions necessary to receive benefits. A spouse must be age 62 or older, unless caring for a child under 16 or disabled.
Children may also qualify to receive benefits on the records of their parents. This may occur whether the child is a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild. Dependent grandchildren may also qualify as well. The children must be:
- under age 18; or
- 18-19 years old and a full-time student; or
- 18 or older with a disability
If the spouse is caring for a child under the age of 16, the spouse’s benefits will continue until the child reaches age 16. The child’s benefits, however, will not end. Ex-spouses may also receive benefits if they:
- have been married with the primary beneficiary for at least 10 years;
- are 62 years old or older;
- are unmarried; and
- are not be eligible for an equal or higher Social Security benefit on his or her own record, or on the Social Security record of someone else