How Much Does Social Security Disability Pay Per Child?
How Much Does Social Security Disability Pay Per Child?
Dealing with a disability is difficult. There’s no question about it. Having a disability can change your life – and the lives of your children too. If you find yourself disabled and unable to earn the income that you need to support yourself and your family, you may be wondering where to turn. This can particularly be true if you have children who depend upon you. The good news is, there’s help available. If you are a disabled individual who has children, you may be able to receive Social Security Disability benefits not only for yourself but also for the children that you love.
Understandably, any legal process can seem complex and confusing from the outside. The process of filing a claim for Social Security Disability benefits is no different. That’s why you need a legal team on your side who can help you understand what benefits you and your children might be entitled to, and how to go about applying for those benefits. Here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
- Understand the distinction between SSDI and SSI benefits: For those who worked a sufficient amount of time before becoming disabled, it is possible to receive a monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payment based upon the amount of time that you worked, and the amount of money you paid into the system while doing so. If you don’t have a long enough work history to qualify for SSDI benefits, or if you worked at a job that didn’t pay into the Social Security system, you may still be able to receive benefits personally from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are disabled. However, SSI benefits are only for the disabled individual, while SSDI provides benefits to your children as well.
- Know the conditions for receiving benefits: Generally, a child can receive SSDI benefits if they are: (1)Not married; (2)Under 18 years old. If the child is over 18, they can still receive benefits in two circumstances – if they are under 19 but still enrolled full-time in high school, or, if the child is disabled, and the disability occurred before the time the child turned 22 years old.
- Learn the basics of the application process: Those wishing to apply for benefits for their children will need to provide their Social Security number, the child’s Social Security number, and the birth certificate(s) for the child(ren) for whom the benefits are being sought. Depending upon your particular circumstances, other information may be needed as well, and your attorney will be able to advise you as to whether or not that is the case.
- Determine how much your child(ren) might receive: Typically, the benefits a child receives depend upon how much their parent receives. Usually, a child will receive up to 50% of the parent’s total SSDI benefit, although there is a maximum amount of benefits that a family can receive. That amount is usually around 150 to 180% of the total SSDI benefit awarded to the disabled person. Your attorney will be able to advise you in greater detail as to the particular amounts that might be paid in your case.
Often, we are asked whether grandchildren can receive SSDI benefits as well. In some cases, they may be able to. Often, if the children’s biological parents are deceased or disabled, and you, the grandparent, provide regular support for the grandchildren, they have lived with you for more than a year and you provide at least half of their financial support, they may qualify for benefits. The best course of action if you find yourself in this situation is to consult with your attorney about what options may be available for you and your grandchildren.
Contact MJ Ellis Disability Law
You may be disabled. You may be unable to work. You may be unable to do many of the things that you used to be able to do. Finding yourself in that situation can be frustrating. It can be overwhelming. It can be stressful wondering how you will focus on meeting your medical needs while also providing for the family that you love. You shouldn’t have to choose between one or the other.
If you are disabled, you deserve a legal team on your side who will fight for your right to recover the benefits you deserve – both for yourself and for the children that you love. At the MJ Ellis Disability Law, that’s why we’re here. We have years of experience helping clients just like you pursue the best legal strategies to work toward recovering the benefits they need and deserve. We would consider it a privilege to help you too. If you’re ready to get started, we are here to help. Call us today at (973) 940-8635, or contact us through our website at www.thenewjerseydisabilityattorney.lawyer. We look forward to the opportunity to help you soon.