For those with a family to support, having a disability can be difficult on a physical and emotional level. Social Security helps provide payments for disabled individuals who are unable to work. Depending on the type of disability benefits you receive, your child or children may also be eligible for Social Security monthly benefits.
Our Oshkosh Social Security Disability lawyers further discuss eligibility requirements, applying for child’s benefits and the maximum benefit amount. For assistance with obtaining disability benefits, reach out to our legal team to schedule a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
Children Who May Be Eligible for Benefits
Biological children, adopted children and stepchildren may be eligible for Social Security benefits. To receive these benefits, the child must be unmarried and have the following:
- Have a parent who is disabled or retired and eligible for Social Security benefits; or
- Have a parent who passed away after working long enough and paying Social Security taxes
- Under 18 years of age or between 18 and 19 years of age and a full-time student; or
- Is 18 years of age or older with a disability that happened before age 22
It is important to note that disabled children whose parents have little to no income or resources may be eligible specifically for Supplemental Security Income benefits.
How to Receive These Benefits
To apply for benefits for your child, there are certain documents required by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This includes your child’s birth certificate, and you and your child’s Social Security numbers. Additional information may be required on a case-by-case basis.
For instance, if the child’s parents are deceased, the applicant will need to provide the parent’s death certificate. If the child is disabled, you will need to provide medical evidence proving his or her disability.
Social Security Benefits stop when the child reaches 18 years of age unless he or she is a student or disabled. If you are caring for a child and receiving Social Security, the date his or her benefits stop may be different than yours. For children who are not disabled, your benefits will stop when he or she turns 16. If your child is disabled, your benefits may continue as long as you are responsible for the child and have control of the child.
How Much Can You Get?
A child could be eligible to receive up to half of his or her parent’s full retirement or disability benefit. If the parent has passed away, the child may be able to get up to 75 percent of his or her parent’s basic Social Security benefit. However, there is a limit to the amount a family can receive from the SSA.
The family maximum payment ranges between 150 to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit amount. If the total amount of all family benefits exceeds this maximum amount, then the benefit of each person, except the parent, is reduced proportionately.
Speak With a Member of Our Legal Team
If you need help understanding your Social Security benefits or applying for disability, we encourage you to speak with an experienced member of our legal team at Sigman Janssen. Our lawyers have years of experience helping clients obtain the disability benefits they need. We are ready to answer any questions you have.
Our initial consultations are completely free with no obligation to move forward. Should we represent you, we do not receive payment for our services unless we are successful in helping you.
Give us a call to schedule a free legal consultation. (877) 888-5201.