Social Security Dependents and Survivors Benefits

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Social Security pays generous survivor and dependents to children and spouses of those who are insured for Social Security benefits. Family members of those insured for retirement benefits and those insured and eligible for disability benefits can qualify.

Benefits for Dependents of SSDI Recipients

Dependent Benefits for Children of SSDI Recipients
If you collect Social Security disability benefits, your children can collect a dependents benefit until they reach 18 (or longer if they are students or disabled).
Dependents Benefits for Spouses of Disability Recipients
Your spouse is entitled to a Social Security spousal benefit if he or she is over 62 or cares for your child who is disabled or under 16.
Social Security Benefits for Adult Children With Severe Disabilities
If your adult child is disabled and can't do any significant amount work, he or she may be able to collect Social Security child benefits or SSI disability benefits.

Benefits for Survivors of SSDI Recipients

Survivor Benefits for Dependents of SSDI Recipients
Spouses and children of someone who died while eligible for SSDI may be able to get survivor benefits, depending on their age.
When the Parents of Social Security Disability Recipients Can Get Survivors Benefits
If your son or daughter who was receiving Social Security disability benefits dies, you can receive a parent's benefits if you were partially dependent on your child.
How Beneficiaries Can Claim Life Insurance and Social Security Benefits
Access the Social Security death benefit, survivors benefits, life insurance, and annuity funds.

Eligibility for Dependents and Survivors benefits

Same-Sex Marriage and Eligibility for Social Security Dependents and Survivors Benefits
In some states, gay and lesbian spouses are now eligible for Social Security benefits based on their same-sex spouse's earnings record.
Children of Same-Sex Marriages and Eligibility for Federal Benefits
Same-sex spouses no longer have to adopt their partners' children to make them eligible for federal benefits.
Common Law Marriage and Social Security Dependents and Survivor Benefits
Common-law spouses can get Social Security benefits based on their spouses' earnings record.
Same-Sex Common Law Marriage and Social Security Dependents & Survivor Benefits
Same-sex common law marriages, now valid in two states, allows spouses to collect Social Security benefits.
Social Security Benefits for Members of Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions
Most states approving same-sex marriage are providing that existing same-sex civil unions or domestic partnerships automatically convert to marriages, providing the spouses with federal benefits.
Social Security Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses of Native Americans
If you were married in a tribal nation that permits same-sex marriage and you live there (or in a state or nation that recognizes same-sex marriage), you are eligible for spousal Social Security benefits.

Resources

Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions
Nolo's book covers all types of Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans family benefits as well.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability
Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is the essential book for learning about the disability process, and can be helpful whether you hire or lawyer or not.

Talk to a Disability Lawyer
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