How Much SSDI Pays for a Child in Massachusetts

What your child receives each month in Massachusetts

The amount your child receives depends on your work history and earnings record, not on where you live. Massachusetts does not set its own SSDI payment amounts — Social Security uses a national formula based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is calculated from your lifetime earnings.

If you are receiving SSDI and your child qualifies for benefits on your record, they typically receive 50 percent of your PIA. If both parents are receiving SSDI or retirement benefits, your child can receive benefits on either record, but not both at the same time — Social Security pays whichever amount is higher.

The actual dollar amount varies widely. A child whose parent has a higher lifetime earnings record may receive $800 to $1,200 per month or more. A child whose parent has a lower earnings record might receive $300 to $600 per month. Social Security will tell you the exact amount when you contact them about your child's benefits.

Key Takeaways

Your child's monthly payment is 50 percent of your Primary Insurance Amount, calculated from your own work history, not from a Massachusetts-specific rate.
The payment amount is the same whether your child lives in Massachusetts or any other state.
If your child qualifies on both parents' records, Social Security pays the higher amount only.
You can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to learn the exact monthly amount your child would receive.

How Social Security calculates your child's payment

Social Security starts with your Primary Insurance Amount — the benefit you receive each month based on your age, your work history, and when you started receiving SSDI. Your child's benefit is then set at 50 percent of that amount.

There is one important limit called the family maximum. If you have multiple children receiving benefits on your record, or if your spouse is also receiving benefits, the total paid to your entire family cannot exceed 150 to 180 percent of your PIA. When a family hits this limit, each child's payment is reduced proportionally, though your own payment stays the same.

For example, if your PIA is $1,200 and you have two children, each child would normally receive $600. But if the family maximum is $1,800, Social Security divides that $1,800 among you and your two children, reducing each child's share. The exact family maximum percentage depends on your birth year and when you became disabled.

What changes the payment amount

Your child's payment can increase if your own SSDI benefit increases. Social Security adjusts all benefits each year for cost-of-living increases, called COLA adjustments. When your benefit goes up, your child's benefit goes up by the same percentage.

Your child's payment ends when they turn 19 if they are not in high school, or when they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first. If your child is disabled before age 22 and remains disabled, they may continue to receive benefits as an adult disabled child — this is a separate category with its own rules, and the payment amount may change.

If you return to work and your earnings exceed the substantial gainful activity limit (currently $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes yearly), your benefits may be suspended. Your child's benefits would also be affected because they depend on your benefit status.

How to find out your child's exact payment amount

The only way to know the precise monthly amount is to contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and your child's date of birth ready.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. In Massachusetts, there are offices in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and other cities. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

If you already receive SSDI, you can also log into your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. Your account shows your current benefit amount and may display information about any children on your record, though you may need to contact Social Security to request a child benefit.

When your child's benefits start and stop

Your child can receive benefits starting the month after you are approved for SSDI, as long as your child meets the definition of disability or is under age 19 and in high school. There is no waiting period for your child — they do not have to wait through the five-month waiting period that applies to you.

Benefits continue until your child turns 19, unless they are still in high school. If your child is in high school, benefits continue through the month they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first. If your child is disabled before age 22 and the disability continues, they may be found disabled as an adult and continue receiving benefits under the adult disabled child category.

Benefits also stop if you stop receiving SSDI — for example, if you return to work and your benefits end, your child's benefits end as well. If you die, your child may be able to receive survivor benefits instead, which are calculated differently.

Other benefits your child may receive alongside SSDI

In Massachusetts, children receiving SSDI benefits are usually also enrolled in MassHealth, the state Medicaid program. MassHealth covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, and other medical services at no cost to you. This coverage is automatic for most SSDI recipients and does not reduce your child's cash payment.

Your child may also be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your household income and resources are low enough. SSI is a separate program from SSDI with its own payment amounts and rules. Some children receive both SSDI and SSI in the same month, though the total is reduced to avoid duplication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child get more money if I live in Massachusetts instead of another state?

No. SSDI payments are set by Social Security using a national formula based on your work history. Massachusetts has no separate SSDI payment rates. Your child receives the same amount whether you live in Massachusetts, California, or any other state.

What if my child's other parent also receives SSDI?

Your child can receive benefits on either parent's record, but not both. Social Security pays whichever amount is higher. If your child qualifies on both records, you do not receive double payments — Social Security selects the larger benefit and pays only that amount.

Can my child work and still receive SSDI?

Yes, but there are limits. If your child is under 19 and in school, they can work without affecting their benefits. If your child is 19 or older, they can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without losing benefits. Earnings above that amount may reduce or stop the payment.

What happens to my child's benefits if I go back to work?

If you return to work and your earnings are high enough, your own SSDI benefits may be suspended or end. When your benefits stop, your child's benefits stop as well. However, if you earn below the substantial gainful activity limit, your benefits continue and so do your child's.

Does my child's payment count as income for other programs?

SSDI payments to your child typically do not count as income for MassHealth or other means-tested programs in Massachusetts. However, they may count for other programs like SNAP or housing information. Contact the specific program to ask how they treat SSDI income.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.