If you are disabled, you probably know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You may not know, however, that these benefits may also be available for your loved ones. In Sandy Springs, SSDI benefits for children and spouses help many families.
Feeling like you are unable to support your family because you cannot work can certainly be stressful. That is why you should take full advantage of programs like SSDI that could provide support to your family. Working with a determined Social Security attorney can help ensure that both you and your family members are collecting the SSDI benefits that you are all entitled to receive.
SSDI Benefits for Children
If a recipient of SSDI benefits has children, their children may also be eligible to receive benefits. The definition of children that is applied to determine eligibility is very broad and accounts for many different family dynamics and situations.
For SSDI purposes, the term “children” includes not only biological children, but also stepchildren, adopted children, and grandchildren who are dependents. To qualify for benefits, children must generally be younger than 18 and unmarried. Children who are 19 years of age may qualify if they are still a full-time high school student.
SSDI Benefits for a Spouse
Spousal benefits are a unique aspect of SSDI. To receive SSDI benefits as a spouse, documentation proving the marriage—like a marriage certificate—may need to be provided to the Social Security Administration (SSA). A spouse is normally eligible to receive SSDI benefits if they are at least 62 or older.
If a spouse is eligible for a higher benefit amount based on their own Social Security record, they would not be eligible for SSDI. However, if a spouse’s benefits on their record are lower than the available benefits under SSDI, the spouse is entitled to receive the higher amount.
If a spouse is a caretaker of a child who has not reached the age of 16 or has disabilities, that spouse may be eligible for SSDI even if they are younger than 62. Adult disabled children must have become disabled before reaching the age of 22.
SSDI Benefits for a Divorced Spouse
SSDI may also be available for a separated spouse. To qualify for SSDI, an ex-spouse must have been married to the benefit recipient for at least 10 years. Qualified ex-spouses must also be at least 62 years old and unmarried.
Ex-spouses would likely not qualify for SSDI if they are eligible for equal or higher benefits on their own Social Security record or the record of someone else. Divorced spouses receiving benefits would also not decrease the amount of benefits available to a disabled person and their family.
Maximum Amount of Family Benefits
Sandy Springs SSDI benefits for children and spouses are generous, but there are limitations imposed on the total amount of benefits a family can receive. Individual family members may be eligible to receive up to 50 percent of the total SSDI benefit.
The number of family members a disability recipient has impacts the overall total the family is able to collect. Generally, families can only receive up to 150 or 180 percent of the total benefit. If benefits for a spouse or child are reduced, this would not affect the benefits collected by the primary disability benefit recipient.
Applying for SSDI Benefits for Spouse and Children in Sandy Springs
When you are unable to work due to a disability, SSDI benefits could provide meaningful support to you as well as your family. Consider working with a skilled Social Security disability advocate who can help you apply for Sandy Springs SSDI benefits for your children and spouse. Call today to get in touch with our intake team.
