Disability Benefits and Children

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1. Will My Children Receive Benefits If I am Approved Disability Benefits?

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

January 01, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

Will My Children Receive Benefits If I am Approved Disability Benefits?

If you have been found disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and are approved disability benefits, your children may also qualify.

Eligible children include your biological child, adopted child or stepchild. A grandchild who is also your legal dependent can also qualify. 

In order to qualify for benefits, a child must meet the following criteria:

• Be unmarried.
• Under the age of 18 or 18-19 and a full-time student.
• Be 18 and over and been deemed disabled from a disability that occurred before the age of 22.

These benefits are also known as auxiliary benefits. Auxiliary benefits are awarded to a financially dependent child based on the work record of a disabled parent or guardian receiving Social Security Disability Benefits.

What Disability Programs Qualify?

It is important to know that the SSA awards disabled individuals two different types of disability benefits.

The Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSD or SSDI) is a monthly benefit program for disabled individuals who have worked and paid into the program.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a low-income program that provides monthly benefits to disabled individuals who meet certain low-income requirements. 

Recipients of SSD who have financially dependent children can receive auxiliary benefits. Those who receive SSI are not eligible for children’s auxiliary benefits.

If you are unsure of which program you receive benefits from, you can contact the SSA or log on to your my social security account. 

How Much Can My Children Receive?

The amount your child receives will be dependent upon your work history and your own personal benefit amount.

There is also a maximum family amount. Each child may be eligible for up to 50% of your disability amount. However, if other family members, such as multiple children or a divorced spouse, are also collecting off your earning record, there is a cap on how much can be paid out.

If you have questions about your benefit amounts, you can contact the SSA or log on to your my social security account..

Getting Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

If you have not already applied for disability benefits or you have been denied, contact the experienced SSD and SSI attorneys at Berger and Green. We can help you navigate through this complex process.

The process for receiving these monthly payments and benefits can take a long time, so do not wait to apply.

If you believe you cannot work anymore due to your disabilities, contact the experienced Social Security Disability attorneys at Berger and Green. We will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your claim for benefits.