If you are a Michigan resident receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your family members may also be eligible for benefits based on your work history. These are called “auxiliary” or “family” benefits, and they can provide valuable financial support to your loved ones. However, not all family members automatically qualify. Understanding the specific eligibility criteria can help ensure your family receives the assistance they are entitled to.

Who Can Qualify for Family Benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows certain family members to receive benefits based on your SSDI eligibility. Eligible family members include:

Spouses

 Your spouse may qualify if they are:

• At least 62 years old, or
• Any age and caring for your child who is under 16 or has a disability that began before age 22.
  
  

It is important to note that a spouse cannot receive benefits if their own monthly Social Security benefit is higher than what they would receive as a dependent on your record.

Children

Your unmarried children may qualify if they are:

• Under 18,
• 18 or 19 and a full-time student in an elementary or secondary school (up to grade 12), or
• Age 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
  
  

This includes biological children, adopted children, stepchildren, and in some cases, dependent grandchildren.

Ex-Spouses

An ex-spouse may be eligible if:

• The marriage lasted at least 10 years,
• They are at least 62 years old,
• They are unmarried, and
• They are not eligible for an equal or higher benefit based on their own or someone else’s work record.

Click here for more information on eligibility for ex-spouses.

Survivor’s Benefits

If a person receiving SSDI passes away, certain family members may be eligible for survivors’ benefits. These benefits are based on the deceased worker’s earnings record and can offer essential financial support to surviving dependents.

Eligible survivors may include:

• Widows and widowers age 60 or older (or age 50 or older if disabled).
• Widows and widowers of any age who are caring for the deceased’s child under 16 or with a qualifying disability.
• Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19 if still in high school).
• Adult children with a disability that began before age 22.
• Dependent parents age 62 or older.

How Much Can Family Members Receive?

Each eligible family member can receive up to 50% of your monthly SSDI benefit. The total amount your family can receive is subject to a “family maximum,” which typically ranges from 150% to 180% of your monthly SSDI benefit. If the combined benefits for you and your family exceed this limit, the SSA will reduce each family member’s benefit proportionally, but your benefit will not be reduced.

How to Apply for Family Benefits

To apply for family benefits, you can contact the SSA directly. You will need to provide:

• Each family member’s Social Security number,
• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates),
• Proof of age (e.g., birth certificates),
• Proof of disability for adult children (e.g., medical records).
  
  

Gathering all necessary documentation before contacting the SSA can make the application process smoother and more efficient.

Important Things to Consider

1. Eligibility is limited to SSDI: Family benefits are available only under SSDI, not Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program, and family members cannot receive benefits based on a relative’s SSI eligibility.
   
   
2. Impact on other benefits: Receiving SSDI family benefits may affect eligibility for different programs, such as Medicaid or SNAP. It is essential to understand how these benefits interact with other assistance programs.
   
   
3. Ongoing eligibility: Family members’ eligibility may change over time. For example, children’s benefits generally end at age 18 unless they are full-time students or have a disability that began before age 22.

Need Assistance? Speak With Us for Free

Navigating SSDI family benefits can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re in Michigan and need guidance, Disability Attorneys of Michigan can provide help to ensure that you and your family receive the benefits you are entitled to.

Contact us today by submitting a form online or calling our office at 800-949-2900 for a free case evaluation.