Dependent Benefits for Children of SSDI Recipients

If you're approved for Social Security disability benefits and you have a dependent child, your child might also qualify for benefits based on your earnings record.

Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides cash payments to people who meet the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) definition of disabled. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked long enough while paying Social Security taxes (FICA or self-employment tax).

Social Security Benefits for Children of Disabled Parents

If you get SSDI, your child might be eligible for dependent benefits, whether the child is yours by birth, adoption (legal or equitable), or marriage (stepchild). A grandchild who is your dependent might also be eligible for SSDI family benefits.

Which Children Are Eligible for Dependents Benefits?

The child must meet additional requirements, including

• being unmarried, and
• being:
• under the age of 18
• 18 to 19 years old and a full-time student (and hasn't completed high school), or
• 18 or older and qualifies as a disabled adult child (more on this below).

An eligible child younger than 18 or 19 doesn't need to be disabled to qualify for Social Security disability benefits for dependents.

Are Stepchildren Eligible for Dependents Benefits?

For your stepchild to qualify for SSDI dependent benefits based on your work record, the child must meet all of the above requirements. You must also have married the child's biological or adoptive parent after the child was born or adopted.

Social Security doesn't generally require that you adopt your stepchild before paying dependent benefits, but the child's benefits will end if you divorce your stepchild's biological or adoptive parent.

A stepchild you've adopted doesn't have to meet these extra requirements, as Social Security considers your adopted children to be your children.

Learn more about getting SSDI dependent benefits for your stepchild.

Are Grandchildren Eligible for Dependents Benefits?

A grandchild you're raising can qualify for Social Security benefits for dependents if the child meets the age and unmarried requirements above and all of the following are true:

• The child's biological parents are deceased or disabled.
• Your grandchild began living with you before turning 18.
• You provided at least half of the child's support for the year before you became entitled to SSDI (or retirement) benefits or since the child's birth if born during that year.

Any grandchild you've adopted doesn't have to meet these extra requirements, as Social Security considers your adopted children to be your children.

Are My Adult Children Eligible for Benefits?

Children who are 18 or older and not qualifying students are sometimes eligible for what Social Security calls "adult child benefits" if they meet the following criteria:

• The child's disability began before the age of 22.
• The child meets Social Security's definition of a disabled adult.
• The child is unmarried (or marries someone eligible for Social Security disability benefits).

To be disabled under Social Security's guidelines, your adult child must be unable to do substantial work due to a medical condition. And the inability to work must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months (or be expected to result in death)—just like any other adult.

Some adult children have worked enough before becoming disabled to qualify for SSDI based on their own work records. But the dependents benefit might provide higher monthly payments because of your longer work history and higher lifetime earnings. Contact Social Security to determine which benefit will be more.

To learn more, see Nolo's article on disability benefits for adult children.

SSDI Dependent Children's Benefit Amounts

The most your child can receive in SSDI dependent benefits is 50% of your monthly disability payment. (If you should die, your child's dependent benefits switch to survivor benefits, and the amount increases to 75%.)

But Social Security has a family maximum benefit (FMB) rule that limits the amount of dependent or survivor benefits your family can collect. So, if other family members are receiving SSDI benefits based on your work record, the FMB limit will cause your child's benefit amount to be reduced.

Your family's FMB is 150% of your monthly disability benefit. That includes your SSDI benefit plus any dependent benefits your family members receive. Although Social Security won't change your benefit amount, the agency will adjust your family's dependent benefits to stay under the FMB.

SSDI Child Benefits and Back Pay

Your eligible children can start collecting benefits based on your work history dating back to when you were first entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Because it generally takes several months to a year or more for the SSA to approve an SSDI claim, your children will likely receive some back pay.

The date Social Security considers you disabled is your established onset date, or EOD. Here's an example of how SSDI back pay is calculated for dependent benefits.

A child can receive back pay up to 12 months before your application date (if you were disabled at least five months before your application date, due to the five-month waiting period).

Applying for SSDI Dependent Benefits for Your Child

To apply for benefits for your child, you must call Social Security or visit your local SSA field office. You'll need proof of your child's eligibility (birth certificate or adoption papers plus the child's Social Security number).

You can begin the process of applying for SSDI dependent benefits for a disabled adult child by completing an Adult Disability Report (SSA-3368-BK). You can find the form at ssa.gov. It will speed up the process if you do this as soon as your adult child becomes eligible. Once the report is completed, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 to finish your child's application.

Even a child who's already getting SSI might be eligible for higher benefits based on your earnings records. Check with Social Security to see if this option is available.