If you qualify and receive Social Security Disability benefits, you may be able to get additional benefits for your family. The Social Security Administration explains that your children and spouse may be able to get benefits. In addition, a former spouse and adult children who have a disability may also qualify.
Do note that an adult disabled child must have had a disability prior to age 22. Also, for a former spouse to get benefits there are some additional requirements.
Your family
Focusing on benefits for your family members who live in your home, such as you current spouse, minor children and disabled children, they can get benefits in an amount up to 50% of your benefit amount. However, you should note that the SSA will put a maximum amount limit on your family.
Due to this maximum limit, your family members may be unable to collect the full amount for which they qualify. The SSA will not reduce your benefits. It will only cut those of your family members to ensure you are under the maximum limit.
Your spouse will only qualify if he or she is caring for your child who has a disability or under the age of 16 or if he or she is age 62 or older.
Divorced spouse
In the case of your former spouse, he or she also must be at least 62 years old or caring for your minor child who is age 16 or under. Your former spouse must also be unmarried and not eligible for a higher payment amount through his or her own Social Security record. In addition, a former spouse is only eligible if your marriage lasted 10 years or more.
