Who is Eligible for Benefits Under my Account?

Submitted by Deanna on

Who is eligible for benefits under my account and how do I get them benefits?

If you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), then some members of your family may also be able to receive monthly benefits under your work record. Only certain family members meet Social Security Administration (SSA) eligibility rules, and the rules that govern who gets benefits and how much they receive are a bit complex, but here’s the gist of it.

Dependents

The people who qualify under your work record may include your spouse, biological child, legal ward, adopted child, or in some cases a grandchild or stepchild. Each person deemed eligible on your work record or SSDI account must be your legal dependent and must meet other eligibility requirements:

  • Spouse – a spouse can qualify for dependent benefits if one of the follow is true:
    • He or she is 62 years old or older
    • Your spouse is the caregiver of a child who is under age 16
    • Your husband or wife is the caregiver of a disabled child, no matter how old the child may be
  • Children (including any legal ward, adopted child, or biological child) – children qualify for SSDI dependent benefits based on their age, marital status, student status, and whether or not they too have a qualified disability. Your child can receive benefits on your account under several different conditions. Specifically, a child must be:
    • 18 years old or younger and unmarried
    • 19 year old, unmarried, and still a full-time high school student
    • 18 or older, unmarried, and disabled, with a disability onset date before his or her 22nd birthday
  • Grandchildren and Stepchildren – your grandchildren or stepchildren can additionally receive dependent or auxiliary benefits through your SSDI account if all of the following are true:
    • The child’s parents are disabled or deceased
    • He or she is 18 year old or younger and lives with you
    • You financially funded at least half of the child’s support in the year prior to your disability eligibility date OR, if the child is under one year of age, you must have provided at least half of his or her financial support since birth

Notably, disabled adult children can also qualify for benefits on their own, even if they are married in some cases. Ex-spouses can additionally qualify under your work history record, if you were married for 10 years or longer.

How Much Dependents Receive

The SSA limits the total amount of dependent benefits available to a single family through SSDI. Each dependent can receive a monthly payment that is 50% of your own SSDI payment. The grand total that all your dependents receive on your record cannot exceed 150% to 180% of your monthly SSDI however. In other words, if you have several dependents who are eligible, the SSA will reduce the amount each dependent receives so total dependent benefits don’t exceed program limits.

Applying for Dependent Benefits

You can apply for dependent or auxiliary benefits at the same time that you apply for disability for yourself, though you can also submit dependent benefit applications later. Whether you apply online via the SSA’s website or at your local SSA office, you’ll need to complete additional forms to request spouse or child benefits. An SSA representative can assist you or you can get help from a Social Security advocate or attorney, social worker, or a friend or family member.

Blog comments

Bonnie (not verified)

If I get social security

If I get social security disability payments do my step children get benefits if they now live with their dad?

Tue, 07/18/2017 - 21:58 Permalink
Bonnie (not verified)

If a step child gets benefits

If a step child gets benefits through me who is the check made out to?

Tue, 07/18/2017 - 22:06 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Bonnie (not verified)

Hi Bonnie,

Hi Bonnie,

I would recommend calling the SSA and speaking to a representative regarding your matter. 1-800-772-1213.

-Eric

Wed, 07/19/2017 - 08:59 Permalink
Roy (not verified)

I am on SSDI. I just had a

I am on SSDI. I just had a new baby. When does her dependent amount begin.. Do I receive back pay from her birth?

Thu, 07/27/2017 - 06:27 Permalink
Kim sullivan (not verified)

My son is turning sixteen but

My son is turning sixteen but is disabled.....I receive auxiliary benefits for him(through my husbands ssdi) which social security wants to stop because he is turning sixteen. If he is disabled doesn't my auxiliary benefits keep going because I am caring for him and he is disabled (even though he is turning sixteen) ????

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 08:11 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Kim sullivan (not verified)

Hi Kim,

Hi Kim,

Your son can be still be on auxiliary benefits after he is 16 if he is unmarried, and disabled, with a disability onset date before his 22nd birthday.

-Eric

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 09:27 Permalink
Saneika (not verified)

My daughter is 18 she never

My daughter is 18 she never received Social Security from her father but his other children did she has graduated from school that she still qualify

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 09:58 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Saneika (not verified)

Hi Saneika,

Hi Saneika,
Your child may not qualify for benefits if she is over 16 years of age.

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 10:42 Permalink
Mary (not verified)

If I get SSDI can I get any

If I get SSDI can I get any benefits from my husband I'm the age of 54

Sat, 08/12/2017 - 12:00 Permalink
Cheyenne (not verified)

My children's father

My children's father died in prison 3 days ago in Illinois where do I start to get benifits

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 19:28 Permalink
Steffanie Thomas (not verified)

I was approved for sad and

I was approved for sad and ask in 2005,i have asked over the past 12 yrs I'f my children could get benefits or of me. They continue to say no because I draw the max amount which is 452.00 I was a single parent at the time I elwasnapproved. Why do the keep denying my children's benefits. Cyan they won't give me a straight answer any advice? ??

Wed, 08/23/2017 - 14:09 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Steffanie Thomas (not verified)

Hi Steffanie,

Hi Steffanie,
If you are receiving benefits based off of income, your children may not be eligible for benefits.

Wed, 08/23/2017 - 14:31 Permalink
Cindy (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,
My husband is a disabled vet who receives SSDI. My son and step son are also receiving the benefits under my husband and I am the representative payee. My step son lives half and half between us and his mother. However, my husband is responsible for more than half of my step son's expenses.
His ex wife is also married to a disabled vet who receives SSDI.
Is my step son allowed to receive SSDI from both my husband and his step dad?

Mon, 09/18/2017 - 14:06 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Cindy (not verified)

Hi Cindy,

Hi Cindy,

He may be able to, but just to be sure you should speak with a SSA representative with any questions you may have. Best of luck.

Tue, 09/19/2017 - 08:54 Permalink
ginny (not verified)

My children's father was

My children's father was getting ssdi. He tried to go to work and discontinued his ssdi. They sent him a letter stating that if he is still disabled, he could start his benefits back up at any time. He has now been sent to a mental hospital and will be in there for an undetermined amount of time. he was under court order to take his medicine and he stopped taking it. Am I able to go and try to re-apply for benefits for the kids or does he have to do it. He is not in his right state of mind so I don't think he will.

Fri, 09/22/2017 - 15:16 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by ginny (not verified)

Hi Ginny,

Hi Ginny,
If someone has power of attorney for the father of your children, you may want to contact them as they may be able to help you with this.

Mon, 09/25/2017 - 14:54 Permalink
Renee (not verified)

Can someone who receives SSDI

Can someone who receives SSDI also receive dependent benefits for their biological child if that child doesn't live with them? for example if the child lives with the mom full-time not the dad? if they were able to receive dependent benefits could they be given to the mother as a means of child support?

Sun, 10/01/2017 - 17:32 Permalink
Maria (not verified)

I'm a foreigner married

I'm a foreigner married to an american. He receives ssdi. We are not pregnant yet. Only we are hoping to receive a child. Would our child be on his ssdi or could our child collect ssdi because of the biological parent being on ssdi? Thank you

Tue, 11/21/2017 - 21:59 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Maria (not verified)

HI Maria,

HI Maria,
Your child may be eligible for benefits based off of your husband's disability benefits.

Wed, 11/22/2017 - 09:29 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I receive disability. And

I receive disability. And have been that my step daughter isn't entitled to benefits under my claim even tho I have raised her for 13 years and have more than half supported her all those years. My disability is our only income at this time. And i have not received child support for her in over 10 years. Why isn't she entitled to receive benefits

Mon, 11/27/2017 - 07:33 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

I am not exactly sure why. Step-children are allowed to receive auxiliary benefits until they are 18. You may want to contact the SSA to see if they have more information as to why she couldn't

Tue, 11/28/2017 - 09:24 Permalink
kelly (not verified)

So if my furture husband and

So if my furture husband and I get married he is on SSI do I receive a check or not

Mon, 12/18/2017 - 15:05 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by kelly (not verified)

Hi Kelly,

Hi Kelly,

He might still be able to receive SSI, however once you get married his payments could be reduced.

Tue, 12/19/2017 - 09:45 Permalink
Carol (not verified)

I have applied for my

I have applied for my disability I have not been approved yet since I applied I am having to take full custody of my two grandchildren can I or do I need to add them to my disability claim I'm not sure how this works

Sat, 12/23/2017 - 19:39 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Carol (not verified)

Hi Carol,

Hi Carol,
You may be able to, however you may need to adopt them for them to be eligible for benefits based on your work record.

Tue, 12/26/2017 - 12:36 Permalink
Jeanette (not verified)

My husband of 3 years (we

My husband of 3 years (we married when he was 62 and I was 49) collects ssdi. Is my child (his stepchild, age 12) able to collect ssdi on behalf of him? I work and am not disabled.

Mon, 01/01/2018 - 13:28 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Jeanette (not verified)

Hi Jeanette,

Hi Jeanette,

Your child may be able to qualify for auxiliary benefits off of his account until they are 18.

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 09:14 Permalink
Todd (not verified)

What kind of accounts can you

What kind of accounts can you use for your dependents? Savings rates are really low and CDs are terrible. Can you use a retirement fund?

Tue, 01/02/2018 - 17:44 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Just trying to find out the

Just trying to find out the answer to my question is...i worked for several years and earned my 40 credits. But married my younger husband which is 21 years younger then I . He had 2 small children age 6 and 8 years old. I had to take a lesser paying job because he was the bread winner made more then me ,saying he is my retirement. So i was the one to have to take a lessor paying job. Because his child had disability. Was in svhool problems. That way he didnt have to loose money from work or put his job at risk from takeing off . .now im 59 yrs old getting close to retirement the children are now 16 and 17 and ive worked up to 3 years ago at lesser paying job.part time. And had to quit to raise my 6week old grand child and her siblings ages now 2,and 3 and 7 and 8. And no support from the parents .cps came into picture took all the children for few months and we hired lawyer to intervine go court we got temporary custody. Parents got supervised visits. And child support 3 months ago. And when i got intouch social security they tell me yes you have yiur 40 credits . But all you earned is at age 62 is 472.00 month and no you can't recive any of the money your husbsnd earned and claimed you and all the kids as dependents .money he earnd that was with my help by scraficing mt income. Thinking id benifit because whats his is mine vice versa.they say no. So now im stuck wth only 472.00 while when he does draw 47 years from now.im dead and gone he will get to recive survivor benifits .his disabke daughter gets to draw off me im her step mom and. My grand kids i raised as my owne gets nonthing because parents refuse to terminate their rights. And i get nonthing from my husbsnd.
Just dont seem right
Pluse i csnt evenget survivor benifits off my ex decesed divorced husband whom i was married to for 26 years. Because im now married to my now husband of 12 years
Unless my now husband dies are becomes disabled.
Is there something or someone can tell me this is not true. Give me some hope.

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 21:18 Permalink
Holly (not verified)

I have been on and off SSDI

I have been on and off SSDI since 2006; however, have been on steadily since 2012 and will likely never work again.

I've been reading the rules regarding grandchildren and benefits and have the following questions:

1. I am divorced from my "daughter's" father. I raised her, but never formally adopted her. If I have legal guardianship of her minor children, are they eligible for benefits?

2. If they are not eligible under the current guidelines based on relationship statuses and/or adoption rules, would they be eligible any other way? For instance, could they be considered legal wards because I'm not a blood relative?

All are currently 15 y.o. and younger and one or more may be eligible for their own disability at some point, but nothing has been medically/mentally determined at this point.

Thanks so much!

Sat, 01/06/2018 - 16:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Holly (not verified)

Hi Holly,

Hi Holly,
Family law is a complex subject, and the laws can vary by state. However, your grandchildren may need to be adopted by you for the SSA to qualify them for benefits based on your work record.

Mon, 01/08/2018 - 16:13 Permalink
Samantha (not verified)

Hi, my husband is on

Hi, my husband is on disability, if he adopted my daughter would that change at all the amount he is getting?

Tue, 01/09/2018 - 10:43 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Samantha (not verified)

Hi Samantha,

Hi Samantha,

If he is on SSDI, it shouldn't' because he is on it based on his own record.

Wed, 01/10/2018 - 10:10 Permalink
Lisa (not verified)

If the non-custodial parent

If the non-custodial parent receives SSDI and has another source of income, is the dependent child eligible for both SSDI dependent benefits and child support from other income source?

Mon, 01/15/2018 - 16:05 Permalink
Leo james (not verified)

Hello I was recently

Hello I was recently diagnosed with muscular dystrophy I'm married and have a w year old how much will ssi give us we have no income due to my wife having to take of me and my child?

Thu, 01/18/2018 - 23:04 Permalink
William Creek (not verified)

I've been drawing

I've been drawing disability since i was 12 and I'm 22 now. I've been married since January 12, 2016 and I have 2 step daughter's. They are ages 9 and 4. We've been dealing with social services for 2 years they will be reuniting back home with us in our care in about a month and a half. My wife is my representative payee she's 29 and I will be the source of income supporting her as well as our 2 girls. My question is will my wife and kids be able to get benefits from my disability?

Sat, 01/20/2018 - 02:53 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by William Creek (not verified)

Hi William,

Hi William,
If you're receiving benefits based on your income, then they may not be eligible for benefits, if you're receiving them based on your parent's work record they may also be ineligible for benefits based on your benefits.

Mon, 01/22/2018 - 09:54 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by William Creek (not verified)

Hi William,

Hi William,
If you're receiving benefits based on your income, then they may not be eligible for benefits, if you're receiving them based on your parent's work record they may also be ineligible for benefits based on your benefits.

Mon, 01/22/2018 - 09:54 Permalink
Donna (not verified)

I have a disability and have

I have a disability and have not been able to work for over 3 years and I have not had any help and they keep sending me to doctor after doctor even there doctor says I'm not capable of working but I have no help from SSA at all my husband works but we barely get by my medical care is averaging about 10,000 a month they have turned me down 2 times and there's a man who lives up the road from me and gets 1700 a month he told them he has mental illness but he told me that all you have to do is get high and go to the doctor or just admit your self to the hospital and talk crazy and they give you benefits and for the people like me that's truly disabled we can't get it or get put through the ringer I have worked since I was 14 this is not fair what can I do please help

Sat, 01/27/2018 - 10:59 Permalink
shari Ferguson (not verified)

My mother just passed away...

My mother just passed away... Do I need to know being disabled if I can qualify for benefits? And she paid all utilities? Puzzled

Mon, 01/29/2018 - 16:18 Permalink
Lena (not verified)

My son was arrested as a sex

My son was arrested as a sex offender and I have grandchild who is 8yoa. I have taken care of her for the last 2 years. Can I add her on my SSI Disability?

Wed, 02/14/2018 - 19:45 Permalink

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