SSDI payments continue for your children until they turn 19, or 19 if they're in high school full-time

When you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your unmarried children can receive their own monthly payment based on your earnings record. This is called a child's benefit. The payment goes to each child separately, and the amount depends on your primary insurance amount — the base monthly payment you receive.

Your children's benefits stop when they turn 19, unless they are enrolled full-time in high school, in which case benefits continue until they turn 19. If your child is disabled before age 22, they may continue to receive benefits for life under a different category called Disabled Adult Child (DAC), but that requires a separate information by Social Security.

The total amount your family receives is capped at a family maximum, which is typically 150 to 180 percent of your primary insurance amount. If your children's combined benefits would exceed this cap, each child's payment is reduced proportionally.

Key Takeaways

  • Each of your unmarried children under 19 (or 19 if in high school full-time) receives a separate monthly payment based on your SSDI record.
  • The family maximum limits total household benefits; if children's payments would exceed it, each child's amount is reduced.
  • A child disabled before age 22 may continue benefits as a Disabled Adult Child after age 19, but Social Security must make a separate disability finding.
  • You must report changes in your child's school status, living situation, or work earnings to Social Security within 10 days.
  • Your child's own work earnings above $1,550 per month (in 2024) may reduce or stop their benefit for that month.

How much your children receive and the family maximum

Social Security calculates each child's benefit as a percentage of your primary insurance amount — usually 50 percent per child. If you have multiple children, the total of all family members' benefits (yours plus each child's) cannot exceed the family maximum.

For example, if your primary insurance amount is $1,500 per month and you have two children, each child would normally receive $750. But if the family maximum is $2,400, and your payment is $1,500, only $900 remains for both children combined. Social Security would then reduce each child's payment to $450.

The family maximum is set by Social Security and varies based on your earnings history. You can find your family maximum on your Social Security statement or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

When children's benefits stop

A child's benefit ends on the first day of the month after they turn 19, with one exception: if they are a full-time high school student, benefits continue through the month they turn 19. After that month, benefits stop regardless of school status.

Benefits also stop when ready if your child marries, even before age 19. If your child leaves the United States for more than 30 days, benefits may be suspended; you must notify Social Security before travel.

If your child begins working and earns more than the annual earnings limit (called the substantial gainful activity threshold), their benefit stops for any month in which earnings exceed $1,550 (in 2024). The limit changes yearly. Once your child turns 19 and is no longer in high school, work earnings do not affect their benefit unless they are a Disabled Adult Child.

Disabled Adult Child benefits after age 19

If your child became disabled before turning 22, they may continue to receive benefits on your record after age 19 under the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) program. This is not automatic — Social Security must make a separate finding that your child has a disability that meets SSDI rules.

To pursue DAC benefits, you or your child should contact Social Security before your child turns 19 and request a disability evaluation. Social Security will send your child to a medical examination and review their medical records. The process typically takes three to six months.

If approved as a Disabled Adult Child, your child receives a payment for life (or until they marry or work above the substantial gainful activity level). The amount is still limited by the family maximum, so if your family is already at the cap, your child's DAC benefit would not increase the total household payment.

Reporting changes and keeping benefits current

You must report certain changes to Social Security within 10 days. These include: your child starting or stopping school, your child's school status changing (from part-time to full-time or vice versa), your child moving out of your home, your child marrying, your child's work earnings exceeding the monthly limit, or your child leaving the country.

You can report changes by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or using your online my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that Social Security will ask you to repay.

Social Security also sends a form called the Beneficiary Report of Earnings and Work Activity if your child is working. You must complete and return this form if requested, even if your child's earnings are below the limit.

How your child's work earnings affect their benefit

If your child works while receiving a child's benefit, their earnings are tested against the annual earnings limit. In 2024, the limit is $1,550 per month or $18,600 per year. If your child earns more than this in any month, their benefit for that month is reduced by $1 for every $2 earned above the limit.

For example, if your child earns $2,000 in a month and the limit is $1,550, they are $450 over the limit. Their benefit for that month is reduced by $225 (half of $450). This reduction applies only to the month the earnings occurred; it does not carry forward to the next month.

Once your child turns 19 and is no longer in high school, work earnings do not affect their benefit unless they have been approved as a Disabled Adult Child. DAC beneficiaries are subject to the same earnings test as other SSDI recipients.

Medicare and Medicaid for children on SSDI

Children receiving benefits on your SSDI record are usually covered by Medicare automatically. They receive Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) at no cost. This coverage begins after they have been on the SSDI rolls for 24 months.

Medicaid coverage for your children depends on your state. Some states cover all SSDI beneficiaries; others have income or resource limits. You can contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE to learn what coverage your children have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child work part-time and still receive benefits?

Yes. Your child can work and receive benefits as long as their monthly earnings do not exceed $1,550 (in 2024). If they earn more, their benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 over the limit. Once they turn 19 and leave high school, work earnings no longer affect their benefit unless they are approved as a Disabled Adult Child.

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

Your child's benefit is based on your earnings record, not your current work status. If you return to work and your earnings are high enough, your own SSDI benefit may stop, but your child's benefit continues as long as they meet the age and school requirements. However, if your family is at the family maximum, changes to your benefit amount could affect how much your children receive.

Can my child receive benefits if they live with someone other than me?

Yes, your child can live with a grandparent, other relative, or guardian and still receive benefits. However, you must report the change in living situation to Social Security within 10 days. If your child is in foster care, special rules explore regarding how benefits are managed.

What if my child turns 19 mid-month while in high school?

Benefits continue through the entire month in which your child turns 19 if they are a full-time high school student. The benefit stops on the first day of the following month. You do not need to do anything; Social Security tracks this automatically.

How do I know if my child qualifies as a Disabled Adult Child?

Your child must have a disability that began before age 22 and meets Social Security's disability standard — meaning they cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Contact Social Security before your child turns 19 to request an evaluation. Social Security will review medical records and may schedule an examination.