Family Benefits

When you start receiving disability benefits, certain members of your family also may qualify for benefits on your record. Benefits may be paid to:

• your spouse,
• your divorced spouse,
• your children, and
• your disabled child

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of your disability rate. However, there is a limit to the total amount of money that can be paid to a family on your Social Security record. The limit varies, but it is between 150 and 180 percent of your disability benefit.

If the sum of the benefits payable on your account is greater than the family limit, the benefits to the family members will be reduced proportionately. Your benefit will not be affected.

If any of your qualified family members apply for benefits with you, we will ask you for their Social Security numbers and their birth certificates. If your spouse is applying for benefits, we also may ask for proof of marriage, and dates of prior marriages, if applicable.