- While you are receiving disability benefits, your qualifying dependents can each receive a family benefit of up to 50 percent of your benefit rate. However, your family members' benefits can't total more than 50 percent to 80 percent of your benefit rate. If your family members' benefits would exceed the limit, Social Security will reduce each of their benefits proportionately, but your benefit won't change.
- After you die, the dependents who were receiving benefits under your work record can continue to receive them. In many cases, their benefit amounts will increase. Surviving children can still receive up to 50 percent of your benefit, but a surviving spouse can receive up to 100 percent of your benefit, depending on her age. However, the family can only receive a total benefit of up to 180 percent of your benefit.
- Qualifying children who can receive SSDI benefits under your work record can include adopted children, biological children and stepchildren. If there is no living parent, dependent grandchildren may be eligible as well. To qualify, children must be under 18, or if they are 18 or 19 years old, they must enroll full-time in school. Children over 18 and not enrolled in school can qualify if they became disabled before age 22.
- Your spouse can receive benefits on your work record if she is over age 62 or if she is caring for your child who is under 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits. While you are alive, she can receive up to 50 percent of your benefits. After you die, she can receive 100 percent of your benefit when she reaches full retirement age. While she is between age 60 and her full retirement age, she can receive between 71 percent and 99 percent of your benefit. If she is caring for your qualifying child, she can receive 75 percent of your benefit at any age.
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