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If you have a disability or injury, and are faced with being out of work for an extended period of time, you are probably pretty worried about how you will care for your family. Something to consider is that family members may also qualify for disability benefits under your claim.
Who are Disability benefits for?
In the US, the disability benefits program is orchestrated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits are available for those who have been injured inside or outside of work, or have a disability. The benefits through the SSA disability benefits program is meant for injuries or illnesses that will be lasting longer than one year or that are terminal and will inevitably result in death.
What Family Members may be Eligible?
The family members that may be eligible to receive benefits under your claim may surprise you. The list includes your child, spouse, divorced spouse, disabled children and even possibly your adult child. There are some guidelines for each.
- Spouses who are eligible include those who are 62 years of age or older
- Spouses who are caring for your child who is under 16 years old.
- Spouses who are caring for your disabled child.
- An unmarried child who is 18 or under. This can also include a grandchild, step child, or adopted child in some circumstances.
- An unmarried child who is 19 and in elementary or secondary school on a full time basis
- An unmarried child who is 18 or older and has a long term disability that arose before they were 22 years of age.
In the case of an unmarried child with a disability that occurred before they were 22, the disability must meet the same qualifications as an adult disability must for benefits. If you are divorced your ex may also qualify for support under your claim.
How much can My Family Receive?
Your family members who are eligible may receive a maximum of 50% of the amount of your benefits. The family as a whole, in most instances, cannot receive more than 150% to 180% of your total benefit amount. An item to note is that the amounts a divorced spouse receives under your claim do not count towards your family’s total.
The application process can be lengthy and hard to navigate. For this reason you may want to seek out the help of qualified professionals, such as those at Myler Disability. The staff will guide you through the application process and make the whole ordeal a little less stressful. They will help you gather the documents that you and your family need to support your application and will help you seek an amount that will aid you in supporting your family while you cannot work. When you are in a situation that could cause your family financial turmoil, on top of the stress you are feeling due to your injury or disability, it is incredibly important that you are aware of all support that your family can seek.