What Auxiliary SSDI Is and Who Can Receive It

Auxiliary SSDI is a payment your child can receive based on your work record if you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), have retired, or have died. Your child does not need their own disability to may have access to — they receive benefits because of your status. The child must be under 19 (or under 23 if in high school full-time), unmarried, and living in your household or under your care.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not automatically enroll your child. You must contact SSA and request the benefit. Once approved, your child receives a monthly payment based on your SSDI or retirement benefit amount. The payment reduces your own benefit slightly if you are working, but the reduction is usually small.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact Social Security directly — by phone, in person, or online — to request auxiliary benefits for your child; SSA will not start payments without your request.
  • Your child must be under 19 (or under 23 if attending high school full-time), unmarried, and living with you or in your care for the benefit to continue.
  • You will need your Social Security number, your child's birth certificate, and proof of your current SSDI or retirement status when you explore.
  • Processing typically takes two to four weeks once SSA receives your complete request, and benefits are paid monthly by direct deposit or check.
  • If your child turns 19 or leaves school, the benefit stops automatically unless they have a disability that qualifies them for their own SSDI.

How to Contact Social Security and Start the Process

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). You can reach them Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Tell the representative you want to request auxiliary benefits for your child. They will ask basic questions about your child's age, living situation, and school status, and will schedule an appointment if needed.

You can also explore in person at your local Social Security office. Find the office nearest you on the SSA website (ssa.gov) by entering your zip code. Walk-in appointments are available, but calling ahead to schedule reduces wait time. A third option is to create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov and message SSA through your account, though this method is slower than calling.

Documents You Will Need to Gather

Bring or send the following when you explore:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your child's birth certificate (original or certified copy)
  • Proof that your child lives with you (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with both your names)
  • Your child's school enrollment letter or report card if they are between 19 and 23
  • Proof of your current SSDI or retirement status (your most recent benefit statement or award letter)

If your child was born outside the United States, bring a passport or visa showing their entry date. If you do not have a birth certificate, SSA can help you obtain one — ask the representative for guidance on your state's vital records office.

What Happens After You Submit Your Request

Social Security will review your request and your child's information. They will contact you by phone or mail if they need additional documents. Processing usually takes two to four weeks. Once approved, your child's benefit begins the month after SSA approves the request, and you will receive a notice in the mail confirming the monthly payment amount.

Payments are sent by direct deposit to your bank account or by check, depending on how you receive your own SSDI or retirement benefit. Your child's payment is separate from yours — it does not reduce your benefit, though your own benefit may be reduced slightly if you are working and earning above the annual limit.

When Auxiliary Benefits Stop

Your child's auxiliary benefit ends automatically when they turn 19, unless they are attending high school full-time. If they are in high school, the benefit continues until they turn 23 or graduate, whichever comes first. You do not need to notify SSA when your child turns 19 or graduates — SSA tracks school enrollment and stops the payment on its own.

If your child becomes disabled before the benefit ends, they may be able to continue receiving a payment under their own disability record instead of as an auxiliary beneficiary. Contact SSA to discuss this option if your child has a medical condition that prevents them from working.

How Your Child's Benefit Amount Is Calculated

Your child's monthly payment is typically 50 percent of your full SSDI or retirement benefit amount. If you have multiple children receiving auxiliary benefits, each child receives a smaller percentage so that the total family payment does not exceed 150 to 180 percent of your benefit (the exact limit varies by state). SSA will tell you the exact amount when they approve the request.

The payment does not change based on your child's income or activities. If your child works part-time or receives other benefits, it does not affect the auxiliary payment. However, if you are receiving SSDI and working, your own benefit may be reduced under the Substantial Gainful Activity rules, which indirectly affects how much your child receives.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

If SSA denies your request, they will send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include that your child does not meet the age or school enrollment requirements, or that you are not currently receiving SSDI or retirement benefits. You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice. Call SSA or visit your local office to file a reconsideration request.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process takes longer but gives you a chance to present evidence in person or by phone. SSA will explain all three appeal steps in the denial notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request auxiliary benefits for my child if I am retired instead of disabled?

Yes. Auxiliary benefits are available to children of workers who are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, SSDI, or whose parent has died and the child is receiving survivor benefits. The rules are the same regardless of which type of benefit you receive.

What if my child is 18 and working part-time?

Your child can still receive auxiliary benefits if they are under 19 and not married. Work does not disqualify them. If they turn 19 while working, the benefit stops unless they are enrolled in high school full-time.

Do I have to report changes in my child's living situation to Social Security?

Yes. If your child moves out, gets married, or stops attending school, you should notify SSA within 30 days. Failure to report can result in overpayment, which SSA may ask you to repay. Call 1-800-772-1213 to report any change.

Can my child receive auxiliary SSDI and SSI at the same time?

No. If your child qualifies for their own Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability, they must choose one benefit or the other. SSA will help you understand which is larger and which makes sense for your family's situation.

How long does it take to receive the first payment after approval?

Benefits typically begin the month after SSA approves your request. The first payment arrives in the following month by direct deposit or check, depending on your payment method. So from approval to first payment is usually four to six weeks.