Eligibility for Family Members

SSDI provides benefits to:

• Spouses who are age 62 or older, or caring for a child under 16 or disabled.
• Children under age 18, or up to age 19 if attending secondary school full-time.
• Disabled adult children who were disabled before age 22.

Amount of Benefits for Dependents

Family member benefits are based on:

• A portion of the disabled worker’s full SSDI benefit amount, which varies depending on the number of eligible family members.
• Combined family payments usually capped at a maximum percentage of the primary worker’s benefit.

Impact on Household Income

SSDI benefits help by:

• Providing a steady income stream to support living expenses for the whole family.
• Reducing financial strain caused by the disabled individual's inability to work.

Health Insurance Coverage

Dependents may also gain:

• Medicare or Medicaid access through the disabled worker’s eligibility, improving healthcare access for the family.

Limitations and Considerations

Keep in mind:

• Eligibility rules can be complex and vary by relationship to the disabled worker.
• Benefits for some dependents may end at certain ages or life events.
• Working family members may have reduced benefits if earnings exceed limits.