Most issues that Florida residents face when it comes to Social Security Disability have to do with the federal regulations to receiving benefits themselves, what the requirements are and the amount of time they will be provided. However, another factor of concern is the potential of family members receiving disability benefits. There are family members who might be eligible to receive benefits based on the record of the applicant. Knowing who can receive benefits and what must be done for them to get them is key to a successful application for family members.
Those who can receive benefits for a family member include the spouse, a divorced spouse, children, a disabled child and an adult child, who was disabled before the age of 22. If there is an application for benefits from a family member, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will request the birth certificates and the Social Security numbers of those family members. For a spouse, the SSA might also ask for proof that there is a marriage and the dates in which there were previous marriages, if any.
There is a maximum family amount that can be received. Every member of the family can receive a monthly benefit of as much as 50 percent of the rate of the claimant’s disability amount. The SSA limits how much the family can receive. It is contingent on the amount that is received and the number of family members who qualify.
There is no set total, but in general, the amount that a family can receive is approximately 150 to 180 percent of the claimant’s disability amount. The benefits the family receives can be reduced in proportion if the benefits that are available are higher than the limits for the family. The benefit of the claimant will not be altered based on this.
Those who are receiving Social Security Disability need to know that their family members are also eligible to receive benefits, if they meet the requirements. Speaking to a legal professional can provide assistance in learning about the eligibility of family members and in those family members receiving benefits.
Source: SSA.gov, “Disability Planner: Family Benefits,” accessed on Aug. 17, 2015