Many people who learn they will be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are relieved to finally receive some good news, but then the disabled worker quickly realizes that disability payments may not be enough to cover their family’s needs. This is where dependent children’s benefits can makeup the difference.
Dependent children of SSDI recipients are entitled to auxiliary benefits to help provide for their basic needs.
A qualified child must be the SSDI recipient’s naturally born child, a legally adopted child or an illegitimate child with inheritance rights.
The dependent child benefit amount children of a disabled worker are eligible for is based on the disabled worker’s benefit amount. Usually, the maximum benefit payable is limited to 150 percent of the disabled worker’s monthly benefit.
For example, if the disabled worker’s benefit amount was $1,000 per month, auxiliary benefits in the amount of $500 would be paid to the child or children. This amount does not change no matter how many children a disabled worker has. Benefits are not paid based on how many children a disabled worker has.
If you are a disabled worker who was recently found disabled by the Social Security Administration and you have qualifying children, you should contact your local Social Security office to apply for auxiliary benefits.
How Long Will a Child Receive Benefits?
Auxiliary benefits will be paid to the child as long as the disabled worker receives benefits and is determined to be disabled. Benefits will continue to be paid until the child reaches the age of 18, or if still in school, at the earlier date of the month the child turned 19, or the first day of the month in which the child is no longer a fulltime student. If the child were to get married before this time benefits could also be terminated.
For more particulars about obtaining auxiliary benefits for children check out this site.
