Many people who qualify for social security disability payments also have dependent children who may qualify for additional payments. When a worker is medically eligible for social security disability benefits, a spouse and children may receive additional checks as well. The amount is determined by what was paid into social security by the worker over time. There is a “family maximum” amount that is split among all dependants that qualify. These benefits are referred to auxillary benefits.
Only claimants eligible for SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENTS, based on a work record, are eligible to have dependants paid. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits are an entitlement program, and may be paid to the claimant only, not his/her dependants.
Typically, a dependant is a child, stepchild, adopted child or grandchild who lives with or receives at least half his/her support from the insured worker (claimant).
Some include:
- A natural child living at home and receiving support from an eligible parent
- A legally adopted child (even if the child is adopted after the date of disability eligibility was established, he/she still could be eligible)
- A grandchild or step-grandchild is eligible if he began living with and was supported by the insured worker (in the U.S.) before he/she became 18 years of age, for at least one year before the worker became entitled to disability.
- An equitably adopted child must also prove that he/she was living with the insured worker or receiving half his/her support from the worker.
- Adult disabled children of a retired or deceased worker. For example, if a thirty-four year old man is disabled my multiple sclerosis, he could possibly be eligible for payments under his retired or deceased parent’s account, if he can prove that he became disabled before the age of 22.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
Social security offices often neglect to ask about dependent children, or neglect to establish applications for them when the worker’s claim is filed. This could cause a substantial loss of back benefits to the child. This is because the payment onset date is only established by the application date.
Social Security law can be very complex and exhausting, let Marc Whitehead and Associates take care of the headache, and help you maximize your social security disability claim for you and your family! Contact us and download our free e-book, “The Social Security Puzzle-How to Fit the Pieces Together” at our website disabilitydenials.com.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
