Social Security Disability Benefits

Benefits for your family

When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members also may be eligible for payments. For example, benefits can be paid to your husband or wife:

• If he or she is age 62 or older; or

• At any age if he or she is caring for your
child (the child must be younger than 16
or disabled and entitled to Social Security
benefits on your record).

Benefits also can be paid to your unmarried children if they are:

• Younger than 18;

• Between 18 and 19 years old, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or

• Age 18 or older and severely disabled
(the disability • must have started before
age 22).

If you become the parent of a child (including an adopted child) after you begin receiving benefits, let us know about the child, so we can decide if the child is eligible for benefits.

How much can family members get?

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit that is up to half of your retirement or disability benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the total amount of money that can be paid to you and your family. The limit varies, but is generally equal to about 150 to 180 percent of your retirement or disability benefit.

If you are divorced

If you are divorced, your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your earnings. In some situations, he or she may get benefits even if you are not receiving them. To qualify, a divorced spouse must:

• Have been divorced at least two years;

• Be at least 62 years old;

• Be unmarried; and

• Not be eligible for an equal or higher
benefit based on his or her own work or
someone else’s work.

Survivors benefits

When you die, your family may be eligible for benefits based on your work.

Family members who can collect benefits include a widow or widower who is:

• 60 or older; or

• 50 or older and disabled; or

• Any age if he or she is caring for your
child who is younger than 16 or disabled
and entitled to Social Security benefits
on your record.

more...


Social Security: A Simple Concept What You Need To Know About Social Security While You Are Working What You Need To Know About Benefits Benefits For Your Family When You Are Ready To Apply For Benefits Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program Right To Appeal Medicare	Benefits for your family When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members also may be eligible for payments. For example, benefits can be paid to your husband or wife: • If he or she is age 62 or older; or • At any age if he or she is caring for your child (the child must be younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits on your record). Benefits also can be paid to your unmarried children if they are: • Younger than 18; • Between 18 and 19 years old, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or • Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability • must have started before age 22). If you become the parent of a child (including an adopted child) after you begin receiving benefits, let us know about the child, so we can decide if the child is eligible for benefits.	How much can family members get? Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit that is up to half of your retirement or disability benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the total amount of money that can be paid to you and your family. The limit varies, but is generally equal to about 150 to 180 percent of your retirement or disability benefit. If you are divorced If you are divorced, your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your earnings. In some situations, he or she may get benefits even if you are not receiving them. To qualify, a divorced spouse must: • Have been divorced at least two years; • Be at least 62 years old; • Be unmarried; and • Not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit based on his or her own work or someone else’s work. Survivors benefits When you die, your family may be eligible for benefits based on your work. Family members who can collect benefits include a widow or widower who is: • 60 or older; or • 50 or older and disabled; or • Any age if he or she is caring for your child who is younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to Social Security benefits on your record. more...
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