fAbout Family Disability Benefits
Our Muskegon SSDI Lawyer Can Help You & Your Loved Ones
When individuals become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the people who rely on their income (called dependents) may also be eligible for Social Security benefits.
Relationship to the Disabled Individual
When a disabled individual qualifies for disability benefits, certain family members may qualify for dependents’ benefits (also called auxiliary benefits). These benefits are paid to the qualifying family members on top of the amount the disabled person receives. Generally, the family member must have some level of dependency on the person receiving benefits to qualify.
The following family members may be eligible to receive dependents’ benefits:
- Spouses
- Minor children
- Grandchildren, if dependent
- Parents, if dependents and the child receiving benefits die
- Ex-spouses, if married for more than 10 years and has not remarried
- Adult children, if they are disabled or a full-time student younger than 19
Note that Social Security Income (SSI) payments, another form of assistance from Social Security, cannot be given to family members.
How Family Benefits Work
A dependent may be eligible for up to 50% of the amount of the benefits received by the disabled person. Unfortunately, there is a limit per family. Social Security will pay just 150% to 180% of the disabled person’s benefits to the whole family. The exact amount will be calculated using a formula which was created by Social Security. The benefits to dependent family members will be reduced equally if the amount they would receive is above the allowed limit.
Call (231) 403-0040 for Your Free Consultation
To determine what benefits you and your family are eligible for, call Nolan & Shafer PLC today and set up a complimentary case evaluation. We can sit down with you and help you figure out your next best steps.
Contact us at (231) 403-0040 and schedule a free consultation with our Muskegon SSDI lawyer.We serve clients in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.