Can My Children Recover Benefits?

The answer will lie in whether an approved application is for Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When a provider for the family becomes disabled, Social Security benefits can help fill the gap. A percentage of those benefits can also go to children. In some cases, even grandchildren or step-grandchildren can get benefits from your disability claim.

Are You Applying For Supplemental Security Income?

Then your child or children cannot obtain benefits through you, even if your claim is approved. But a disabled child could obtain his or her own benefits from SSI.

Are You Applying For Social Security Disability?

If your claim is approved, then your child or children might be able to receive some benefits as well. Except in the case of adult disabled children, these Social Security disability benefits (or survivor disability benefits) typically last until the month before the child turns 18. In some cases, benefits will last until two months before their 19th birthday, or when they leave high school. Children might be eligible for benefits if they are:

• unmarried; and
• Under the age of 18.

If a child is 18 or more and unmarried, they could be benefit recipients if:

• They are younger than 19 and a full-time high school student
• OR they have had a disability from before they were 22

All of this applies to biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren who are dependents. If you are caring for grandchildren or step-grandchildren who are your dependents, then they could also obtain SSDI benefits if they meet the above requirements, and if their biological parents are disabled or have passed away, and if you are responsible for at least half of your grandchildren’s support. Your grandchildren must have also stayed with you for a full year before qualifying for SSDI, or lived with you for a significant portion of their lives.

How Do Children Receive SSDI Benefits?

First of all, you need a Social Security number for your child. If you do not have this yet, your first step is to get this number. Then with you and your child’s respective Social Security numbers, you will also need to show a birth certificate for your child. In some cases, you might also need to prove that your child is enrolled in school.

How Much Can My Children Receive?

In most cases, a child could be eligible for up to 50% of your disability benefits. However, there is also a limit per family. When you and your family’s benefits are combined, the total amount cannot exceed 150 or 180% of your individual benefits. How much your child can receive is affected accordingly. For example: Let’s say a single parent has four children and applies for disability benefits. If each child were to receive 50% of their parent’s disability benefits, this would come out to 300% of the original award (that includes the 100% going to the parent). In this case, each child’s benefits would be reduced equally to come under the family limit.

Get Trusted Help from Our Social Security Disability Attorney

With so much at stake, you cannot afford to commit a costly error when applying for benefits. If your claim has already been denied, hiring an attorney can greatly increase your chances of a successful appeal. You can find the reliable advice and guidance you need for a complex process when you turn to the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC. Here, the Plano Social Security Disability attorneys have the proven skill to achieve the best possible result in your case.

Do not hesitate to call today to get answers about your specific situation.