What SSDI children's benefits are

SSDI children's benefits are monthly payments your child can receive if you become disabled, retire, or die. The payments come from Social Security and are based on your own work record — not on your child's condition or need. Your child does not have to be disabled to receive them.

These benefits exist because Social Security assumes that if you cannot work due to disability, your family loses your income. The program replaces part of that lost earnings by paying your unmarried children until they turn 19 (or 19 if still in high school full-time).

The amount each child receives is a percentage of what you would receive. If you have multiple children, Social Security divides your benefit among them, though there is a family maximum — the total paid to all your children cannot exceed a certain percentage of your own benefit amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Your child can receive SSDI payments based on your work record if you become disabled, retire, or die — they do not need to be disabled themselves.
  • Children can receive benefits until age 19 if they are in high school full-time, or until age 18 if they are not in school.
  • Each child receives a percentage of your benefit amount, and all children combined cannot receive more than a family maximum set by Social Security.
  • You must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security for your children to be may be able to access.
  • Social Security automatically notifies you about your children's potential benefits when you file for disability or retirement.

When your children can receive these payments

Your children become may be able to access for SSDI payments the same month you become may be able to access — when Social Security approves your disability claim, your retirement claim, or when you die and your family reports it to Social Security.

The payments continue as long as your child meets the age and school requirements. A child in high school full-time can receive benefits through the month they turn 19. A child not in school must stop receiving benefits at age 18. If your child turns 18 and is not in high school, their benefits end that month, even if they are still living with you.

If your child is a full-time high school student and turns 19 during the school year, they can continue receiving benefits through the end of that school month. Once they graduate or leave school, benefits stop.

How much your child receives each month

Social Security calculates each child's payment as a percentage of your Primary Insurance Amount — the base amount you would receive at full retirement age. Typically, each child receives about 50 percent of your amount, but the exact percentage depends on how many children you have and whether you are also receiving benefits.

If you have three children, for example, Social Security may reduce each child's percentage to keep the family total within the maximum. The family maximum is usually between 150 and 180 percent of your own benefit amount, though the exact figure varies by your earnings record.

You can see an estimate of what your children might receive by creating a my Social Security account online or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will show you the estimated amounts for each child before you file.

What you need to do to get your children's benefits started

When you file for SSDI or retirement, you do not need to file a separate process for your children. Social Security automatically considers them and sends you information about their potential benefits as part of your approval letter.

You will need to provide Social Security with your children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates. If you do not have these documents, you can explore for a Social Security number for your child through Social Security, or request a birth certificate from your state's vital records office.

Once Social Security approves your claim, the agency will contact you about setting up payment for your children. You can choose to have their payments deposited directly into a bank account, or Social Security can mail checks. Most families choose direct deposit because it is faster and more find.

How your work record affects your children's benefits

Your children can only receive benefits if you have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security. You need a certain number of work credits — Social Security awards one credit for each quarter of the year you earn above a minimum amount. In 2024, you earn one credit for each $1,705 you make, up to four credits per year.

To may have access to for disability benefits, you generally need 40 credits total, with at least 20 of them earned in the 10 years before you become disabled. If you are older when you become disabled, you may need fewer credits. Retirement benefits have different credit requirements based on your age.

If you do not have enough work credits, your children cannot receive SSDI benefits based on your record. You can check your work history and credits by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling Social Security.

What happens to your children's benefits if you return to work

If you are receiving SSDI and return to work, your own benefits may stop or reduce depending on how much you earn. Your children's benefits are separate from yours and continue as long as they meet the age and school requirements — they do not automatically stop just because you go back to work.

However, if your own benefits stop because you earn too much, Social Security will recalculate the family maximum. Your children's individual payments might decrease because the family maximum is now based on a lower amount. Social Security will notify you of any changes.

If you are concerned about how returning to work will affect your family's benefits, you can contact Social Security before you start working. The agency can explain your specific situation and help you understand the impact.

Special situations: stepchildren, grandchildren, and adopted children

Stepchildren and grandchildren can receive SSDI benefits based on your record under certain conditions. A stepchild must have been living with you and receiving at least half their support from you for at least one year before you became disabled or died. A grandchild must meet similar requirements and also must have been legally adopted by you or be in your legal guardianship.

Adopted children have the same rights as biological children and can receive benefits based on your work record. If you adopted a child before they turned 18, they are treated the same as a biological child for SSDI purposes.

If you have questions about whether a specific child or young person in your household can receive benefits, Social Security can review your situation. You can ask about this when you file for your own benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child receive benefits if I am still working?

No. Your child can only receive SSDI benefits if you are receiving them yourself — either because you are disabled, retired, or have died. If you are working and not yet retired or disabled, your children are not may be able to access.

What happens to my child's benefits when they turn 19?

Benefits stop at age 19 unless your child is in high school full-time. If they are a full-time high school student, benefits continue through the month they turn 19. Once they graduate, leave school, or turn 19 (whichever comes first), payments end.

Do my children's benefits count as income for other programs?

SSDI children's benefits may count as income when you explore for other means-tested programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or housing information. Each program has different rules. You should report the benefits to any other program you receive to avoid overpayments or loss of coverage.

Can my child work while receiving SSDI benefits?

Yes. Unlike SSDI for disabled adults, there is no earnings limit for children receiving benefits based on a parent's record. Your child can work and earn any amount without affecting their SSDI payments.

What if my child is adopted after I become disabled?

A child adopted after you become disabled cannot receive SSDI benefits based on your record. The adoption must happen before you become disabled, retire, or die for the child to be may be able to access.