Workers who have sufficient work credits and are deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration will receive a monthly benefit under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.  As a result, certain family members may also receive dependent benefits.

Eligible children will receive benefits based on your work record if you are approved for SSDI benefits.  Your eligible child can be a biological child, adopted child or step-child.  In certain cases, a dependent grandchild may also be eligible for benefits.  To receive benefits, the child must be unmarried and:

• Under 18 years old; or
• 18-19 and a full-time student;  or
• Over 18 years with a disability that started before age 22.

In most cases, benefits cease at age 18, unless the child is disabled or a full-time student, as noted above.

How much will  your child receive?

Generally speaking, your child will get one-half (1/2) of your benefit split equally between your eligible children up to the family maximum.  For example, if your monthly benefit is $2,000 a month and your family maximum is $3,000, you would receive your monthly benefit ($2,000) and your eligible children would receive the $1,000 balance split equally.