Social Security Disability Insurance provides a financial lifeline to millions of Americans who can’t work due to a disability, but what about their families? Many people don’t realize that children, spouses, and even some grandchildren or ex-spouses of those receiving disability may also qualify for Social Security family benefits.
In this guide, we’ll break down who qualifies, how to apply, and how much your household could receive. We will also break down how the maximum family Social Security benefit is calculated.
Claim what you worked for.
Key Takeaways
- SSDI family benefits provide payments to eligible dependents. Spouses, children, and sometimes ex-spouses or grandchildren may qualify for Social Security family benefits based on a disabled worker’s record.
- Eligible family members can receive up to 50% of the worker’s monthly SSDI benefit. However, the total amount paid to the household is limited by Social Security’s maximum family benefit rules.
- The SSA limits total family payments to about 100%–150% of the worker’s benefit. The exact maximum depends on the worker’s earnings history, including their Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
In this article about Social Security family benefits:
What are Social Security family benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) family benefits, also called SSDI auxiliary benefits, are monthly payments made to eligible dependents of someone already receiving SSDI. Families of Social Security retirement beneficiaries may also qualify.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) adds these family members to the disabled worker’s record, and each eligible person receives their own monthly payment.
Who can receive Social Security family benefits?
There are two main categories of people who may qualify for SSDI auxiliary benefits.
First are spouses. A spouse may qualify for Social Security family benefits on their partner’s SSDI record if they’re at least 62 years old and not eligible for a higher payment on their own. Younger spouses may still qualify if they care for a child under 16, or an adult child who is disabled and receives SSDI on the primary beneficiary’s record.
Ex-spouses may also qualify for SSDI benefits based on their former partner’s work record, even if the beneficiary has remarried. To be eligible, they must meet the following requirements:
- The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
- They must be at least 62 years old and unmarried.
- They must not be eligible for a greater payment amount based on their own Social Security record or someone else’s.
- They have been divorced from the insured for at least two years.
Children and stepchildren may be able to receive SSDI auxiliary benefits if their parent receives disability. To qualify, the child must be unmarried and under the age of 18.
These payments usually stop when the child turns 18, though this can be extended if they are still in high school or have a disability of their own.
Grandchildren and step-grandchildren may also qualify for benefits if the following is true:
- The child is the beneficiary’s son or daughter
- The child’s parents are either deceased or disabled and unable to support the child at the time the grandparent becomes entitled to benefits
- The child was legally adopted by the grandparent or step-grandparent recipient
How much are SSDI family benefits worth?
Generally, eligible family members can each receive payments worth up to half of the primary beneficiary’s monthly check. For example, if you receive $1,000 each month in SSDI payments, your spouse may qualify for up to $500 per month in family benefits.
However, if you’re married and have multiple dependents, you may reach the maximum family amount set by the SSA.
What’s the maximum family Social Security benefit?
The maximum benefit amount family members can draw from a worker’s Social Security depends on the worker’s Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) and their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). You can follow the links to learn more about AIME and PIA.
For families of disabled workers receiving SSDI, the family maximum is generally 85% of the worker’s AIME, which reflects their lifetime earnings.
However, this total amount paid to the worker and their eligible family members also cannot be less than 100% or more than 150% of the worker’s PIA.
How to apply for SSDI family benefits
Family benefits don’t automatically start; you’ll have to contact the SSA to add on each dependent who’s eligible for benefits on your record.
You can apply online or call the SSA at 800-772-1213 to get started. You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself and any qualifying family members, such as your Social Security number, work history, marriage history, and the names of your children.
How Woods & Woods can help
Having a disability shouldn’t mean losing your peace of mind. At Woods & Woods, we help individuals with disabilities connect with legal help. If you’re seeking SSDI benefits, call us today for a free case evaluation.
Don’t face Social Security alone.
Frequently asked questions
SSDI family benefits, also called SSDI auxiliary benefits, are monthly payments made to spouses, children, and other dependents of someone already receiving SSDI. Families of Social Security retirement beneficiaries may also qualify.
Generally, eligible family members can each receive payments worth up to half of the primary beneficiary’s monthly check. For example, if you receive $1,000 each month in SSDI payments, your spouse may qualify for up to $500 per month in family benefits.
Lori Underwood
Lori Underwood received her law degree from Northern Kentucky University. She previously practiced Social Security disability and personal injury law and was a juvenile court attorney.
She has been an attorney at
Woods & Woods since 2014.
