Family Benefits & SSDI Payments: Can Your Amount Change?

If your spouse or child gets Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) family benefits on your record, your SSDI payment stays the same. The main rule for family benefits SSDI payments is simple: the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays your benefit first, then pays eligible family members from the remainder, applying a family maximum limit 

Family Benefits (Auxiliary Benefits)

SSDI auxiliary benefits, also called family benefits, are monthly payments the SSA pays to eligible family members on your Social Security record.  Your spouse, ex-spouse, and children may be eligible for benefits.

Your children may be eligible if they are:

• Not married
• Younger than 18
• A high school student younger than 19
• An adult who became disabled before age 22

In some cases, married children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and step grandchildren may be eligible.

Your spouse may be eligible for spouse benefits if you’ve been married for at least one year and they are: 

• 62 years old or older
• Caring for a child age 15 or younger
• Caring for a child of any age who has a disability.

Your ex-spouse may be eligible if you were married 10 years or longer and they meet the requirements above. Some prior legal partners may also be eligible for benefits if they meet these requirements.

How Family Benefit Payments Are Calculated

Family benefits are calculated starting with your SSDI payment, which is called your primary insurance amount (PIA). Your PIA is based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). If you’re not receiving SSDI yet, you can get your PIA estimate from your online Social Security account.

The Family Maximum

Each eligible family member may be paid up to 50% of your benefit amount. The family maximum benefit cap is 85% of your AIME with a minimum of 100% of your PIA and a maximum of 150% of your PIA (the SSA uses a different formula for people who became entitled to family benefits before 1979). 

After you’re paid, the SSA pays eligible family members. The remaining dependent benefits are divided proportionately among recipients. If combined family benefits exceed the family maximum benefit, each eligible family member’s benefit amount is reduced. Divorced spouse benefits are an exception. They aren’t reduced by the family maximum.

Your spouse may not be eligible for a payment from your record if they receive SSDI and their payment is higher than the family benefit would be.

Example 1: One Child on Your Record

If your SSDI is $1,600 a month and your SSDI family maximum is $2,400 a month, $800 remains for family members. 

• Family maximum: $2,400
• Your benefit: $1,600
• Amount left for dependents: $800
• One child can be paid up to $800 per month

Example 2: Two or Three Children on Your Record

Using the same SSDI payment of $1,600 and family maximum of $2,400, $800 is left for dependents.

• Two children would get $400 each
• Three children would get about $266 each

Reasons Family Benefit Payments Change Over Time

A New Dependent Becomes Eligible

Because family benefits are shared and may be reduced due to the family maximum rule, family member benefits change when a new dependent becomes eligible. The benefit for each member is adjusted.

A Child Ages Out

When a dependent’s payments end because of their age, the remaining eligible family members' payments rise because more money is available on your record. 

You and your child should both get a notice from the SSA explaining changes to children’s benefits about three months before they turn 18 or finish high school. 

Divorce, Remarriage, and Spouse Eligibility Changes

Your current spouse is eligible for benefits when they turn 62. They can qualify younger if they start caring for a qualifying child. Your spouse’s benefits most likely end if they are younger than 62 and a child ages out.

If your ex-spouse remarries, their divorced spouse benefit usually ends.

Common Myths

My SSDI Payment Went Down When My Child’s Benefits Started

Your benefit is unaffected by family member benefits. If your payment drops, check your SSA notices for an explanation or contact the SSA for more information.

Each Child Always Gets 50%

It’s not guaranteed that they get 50%, that’s the maximum limit for dependents. How much each dependent gets from your record depends on your family maximum and number of dependents.

How to Apply for Family Benefits

You must apply for SSDI auxiliary benefits by going to your local SSA office or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778. You may want to make an appointment to go in person to reduce your waiting time. 

Required Documents

You need to bring (or share) documents that prove the dependent’s eligibility. Documentation includes:

• Social Security numbers for you and the family member applying
• A child's birth certificate or other proof of birth or adoption
• Proof of the worker’s marriage to the child’s natural or adoptive parent for stepchildren
• Proof of United States citizenship or legal alien status if the child wasn’t born in the US
• A child’s school verification
• W-2 form(s) and/or self-employment tax returns if the child had significant earnings last year
• Marriage or divorce records when a spouse or ex-spouse is applying

You also need to complete these two forms when applying for auxiliary benefits for an adult child disabled before age 22:

• Adult Disability Report (SSA-3368)
• Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA-827).

What to Report to the SSA

When your family members get dependent benefits, report life events such as custody changes, school status changes, marriage, divorce, and a birth or adoption (if you want the new child to get benefits). 

The SSA sends notices about changes to your dependents’ benefits, including:

• Notice of Award when a dependent is approved
• Notice of Change in Payment for annual cost-of-living (COLA) changes
• Student Benefits Termination or Continuation Notice before a child turns 18
• Annual Earnings Review if you work and receive SSDI
• Representative Payee Notice about your responsibilities when you get benefits for a dependent
• Benefit Statement SSA-1099 with total benefits received for the year

When you get SSA notices, read them closely. Respond by the deadline on the notice if the SSA is requesting something.

When to Get Help

If you are applying for SSDI or appealing a denial, Advocate’s disability specialists can help.

We can help you:

• Complete forms
• Gather strong evidence
• Explain your limitations
• Avoid common application mistakes
• Communicate with the SSA
• Appeal a denial
• Prepare for a hearing

We can also represent you at a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Learn more about onboarding with Advocate.

FAQ: Family Benefits and SSDI Payment Changes

Can my spouse get benefits if they work?

Yes. A spouse can qualify for SSDI family benefits, but the SSA may reduce the spouse’s monthly payment if they work and earn above the SSA’s annual earnings limit.

Do ex-spouse payments reduce my household payments?

No. Ex-spouse payments don’t count toward the family maximum.

What happens if I have children with different custodial parents?

Children from different households can get SSDI auxiliary benefits from your record. Their payments count toward your SSDI family maximum. 

Can family benefits be paid if I get SSI instead of SSDI?

No. Family benefits are only available if you get SSDI. If your spouse is over age 65, is blind,  or has a disability, they can apply for SSI. A child younger than 18 who is disabled or blind may also apply for SSI.

What if SSA says we were overpaid?

If you get an overpayment notice, it should explain the reason, the amount, and how the SSA plans to recover it. You can ask the SSA to review the decision (reconsideration) or ask to waive recovery in some situations. Your notice explains how to request those options.