The Social Security Disability Insurance program exists to provide you with financial assistance if you have a qualifying work history as well as a qualifying disability that limits your ability to earn an income. This assistance comes in the form of a monthly benefit payable directly to you, but certain family members might also be eligible for a benefit under your SSDI coverage.
If your spouse or children are eligible to receive an SSDI benefit due to your own work history, it can increase the overall benefit that your family receives. While having a limiting disability can affect your quality of life in certain ways, you can make the most of the situation by fully understanding SSDI family benefits.
What are SSDI family benefits?
Family benefits are additional SSDI benefits for which other members of your household may be eligible based on your work. Your current spouse, divorced spouse, minor children or adult children with a disability incurred prior to turning 22 can receive benefits under your SSDI coverage. Your applying family member will need to provide their Social Security number and birth certificate at the time of application, as well as proof of marriage if applicable.
What is the total benefit that your family can receive?
Even if you have multiple family members who qualify for family benefits under your SSDI, there is a maximum total benefit that your household can receive. Each individual can receive up to 50% of your initial disability benefit amount up to a maximum of roughly 150% to 180% of the initial benefit amount for the entire family.
Your individual SSDI benefit can help you support yourself, but supporting an entire household during a difficult time may require using family benefits to the fullest. If your family qualifies, it is important to apply accordingly.
