Benefits for Family Members in Plano

Guidance From Our Plano Social Security Disability Lawyers

If you are receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) insurance benefits, family members may also be eligible to receive benefits. Benefits will be based on the amount of time that you spent working and the amount of payroll and taxes you paid.

Your children, spouse, and/or former spouse could qualify if they meet certain criteria. If you were a significant breadwinner for your family and you are unable to work due to a disability, you are likely having a difficult time supporting your loved ones. For this reason, SSD benefits can be an important resource for helping you and your family pay for your everyday needs. Whether you are applying for SSD family benefits for the first time or you are appealing a denial of such benefits, our legal team at the Zen Law Firm is here to guide you through the process. Our Plano Social Security Disability attorneys can help you address issues that might be present in your application so that your family can have a greater chance of achieving financial stability.

Criteria For Children

You can apply for benefits for your unmarried child or, in some cases, your unmarried stepchild or grandchild, per the U.S. Social Security Administration. In order to qualify, a child must be under the age of 18. A child could, however, still qualify if he or she is age 18 or 19 and still a full-time student at a level no higher than the 12th grade. Furthermore, an unmarried child age 18 or over can also qualify if he or she has a disability that started before the age of 22. A disabled “child” who falls under this category must meet the standards for the SSD program’s definition of disabled adults.

Criteria For Current & Former Spouses

In order for your spouse to qualify for SSD benefits, he or she must be age 62 or older. There is no age threshold, however, if your spouse is the caretaker of your child who is disabled or under the age of 16, according to the SSA. There are also situations in which you might need to obtain benefits for a former spouse. In these cases, you and your former spouse must have been married for a minimum of 10 years, and he or she must be at least 62 years old and currently unmarried. If your ex-spouse is eligible for equal or higher benefits under his or her own Social Security record or on another person’s record, he or she will not qualify for benefits under your record. It is important to note that SSD payment to a former husband or wife will not lead to a reduction in benefits for either you, your current spouse, or your children. There are a number of factors that could affect the amount of benefits your spouse or former spouse is entitled to receive, such as whether the individual is eligible for a higher Social Security benefit under his or her own record or under someone else’s record. A husband or wife could also be affected if he or she receives a pension that comes from work that is not covered by Social Security.

Hiring A Capable Attorney To Represent Your Best Interests

There is a high denial rate for initial Social Security Disability applications. This is because the U.S. Government wants to prove that those receiving disability and other benefits truly qualify. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who are in legitimate need who are still turned away. By working with trained legal professionals, you can increase your chances of being able to obtain the financial support you need. When it comes to something this important, don’t take any chances.

Contact the Zen Law Firm, so our Plano Social Security Disability lawyers can provide you with the help you need!