If you’re either considering or already receiving social security benefits, those you directly support may be entitled to additional funds as a result of your qualification.
If your child or dependent is under age 18, 18 or 19 (depending on state law) and still attending high school, or disabled (and the disability started before the child/dependent turned 22), he/she may qualify for an amount up to half of your primary insurance amount.
The total sum is called the family maximum, and while it’s calculated through a specific formula, it typically equals a monthly payment of 150 – 180% of the wage earner’s primary insurance amount.
Benefits can also extend to grandchildren that are living with you, but there are stricter stipulations. According to AARP, “you must show that the grandchild began living with you before he/she turned 18 and that you provided at least half of his or her financial support for one year before the month you became entitled to retirement or disability benefits”.
How Social Security Benefits Change When a Child or Dependent is Working
Should your child or dependent be working and earning income, earnings limits apply.
Social security will deduct $1 in benefits for every $2 earned over the annual cap, which is $18,240 for the year 2020.
How Family Members Can Receive Survivor Benefits
The overall situation changes should the primary benefit earner become deceased.
According to AARP, about 5.9 million people were receiving Social Security survivor benefits as of January 2020. These payments typically go to the spouse, former spouse or children of the primary benefit receiver. These benefits are based on the amount the earner received when they died.
It’s important to instruct those handling your estate to file for survivor benefits as soon as possible as these benefits take effect from the date of application and do not reflect the actual date of death.
To ensure that you and your family are receiving the correct and maximum amount of benefits in your particular situation, it’s important to enlist the help of a qualified social security disability attorney. Drew L. Johnson, P.C. is committed to answering these questions and serving the needs of Eugene and Albany residents. Call (541) 434-6466 today to arrange a free initial consultation with a dedicated Social Security disability benefits attorney.
