If I Get Disability Benefits Will My Family Also Get Money?

If you are approved for SSDI payments there may be additional money available to your minor children, your spouse, and your disabled adult children. When your payment amount is calculated, the payment center also calculates the maximum family amount and the figure is based on the amount of time you have worked and the amount of social security tax you have paid. Not everyone who is approved for SSDI has contributed enough to qualify for additional family benefits. The family maximum payment is the total amount of money your family can receive, including your payment. If the family maximum is higher than your individual payment then there are benefits available for certain family members. The family maximum is never more than 150% of your payment. For example, if your payment is $1000 a month, the most that the family maximum can be is $1500. That means $1000 will go to you and $500 is available for family benefits. The most common family payment is made to your minor children, even if they do not reside with you. The amount available is divided evenly amongst all of your minor children. Your spouse may also be able to receive payment if they are caring for your minor child. If you have an adult child who is disabled, and they became disabled prior to age 22, then they should file a claim for disabled adult child benefits. This payment is made based on your earnings history but is not subtracted from the family maximum. If you are approved only for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) payments, there are no family benefits available.