What You Need to Do to Claim Dependent Benefits

To claim dependent benefits on someone else's SSDI record, you file Form SSA-8, the "process for Child's Insurance Benefits," or Form SSA-25, the "process for Widow(er)'s and/or Parent's Insurance Benefits," depending on your relationship to the worker. You submit the form to your local Social Security office in person, by mail, or through an online account at ssa.gov. The worker themselves does not have to explore again — their SSDI record is already open — but Social Security needs your separate process to establish that you meet the rules for your category (child, spouse, or parent) and to calculate your own benefit amount.

The process typically takes four to six weeks from the date you submit a complete process. Social Security will contact you if they need additional documents. You do not need a lawyer, though you can hire one if you choose. The key is submitting the right form with the right documents the first time, because incomplete applications delay the start of your benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You file a separate process on the worker's record using either Form SSA-8 (for children and spouses) or Form SSA-25 (for widow(er)s and parents), not by adding yourself to their existing claim.
  • The worker's SSDI must already be approved and in payment status before you can claim dependent benefits on their record.
  • Your benefit amount is calculated as a percentage of the worker's Primary Insurance Amount, and the total family benefit is capped at 150 to 180 percent of that amount.
  • You must prove your relationship to the worker with documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers, depending on your category.
  • If you are a child or spouse, you can file online through ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at a local Social Security office.

Which Form to Use Based on Your Relationship

Form SSA-8 is for children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren) and for spouses. A child can be any age if they are unmarried, but they must have been born before the worker became disabled. A spouse can claim at any age if they are caring for a child under 16, or at age 62 or older if they are not caring for a child. A divorced spouse can claim at 62 or older if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.

Form SSA-25 is for widow(er)s and parents. A widow(er) can claim at age 60, or at age 50 if they are disabled, or at any age if they are caring for a child under 16. A parent can claim at age 62 or older if the worker was providing at least half their support at the time the worker became disabled.

If you are unsure which form applies to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and describe your relationship. They will tell you which form to use and what documents you will need.

Documents You Must Provide

Social Security requires proof of your relationship to the worker. The specific documents depend on your category:

  • For a biological child: Your birth certificate and the worker's birth certificate. If the worker is not listed as a parent on your birth certificate, you may also need a court order establishing paternity or a signed statement from the worker.
  • For an adopted child: Your adoption decree or final adoption order.
  • For a stepchild: Your birth certificate, the worker's birth certificate, and the marriage certificate of the worker and your biological parent. The marriage must have occurred before you turned 19.
  • For a spouse: Your marriage certificate and proof that any prior marriages have ended (divorce decree, death certificate of prior spouse).
  • For a divorced spouse: Your divorce decree and proof of the marriage date and length.
  • For a widow(er): The worker's death certificate and your marriage certificate.
  • For a parent: Your birth certificate, the worker's birth certificate, and evidence that the worker was providing at least half your support (tax returns, bank statements, or a signed statement from you).

Bring original documents or certified copies. Social Security will not accept photocopies unless they are certified by the issuing agency. If you do not have an original, you can request a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where the document was issued.

How Your Benefit Amount Is Calculated

Your monthly benefit is a percentage of the worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the amount the worker receives each month. The percentage depends on your relationship and age:

  • A child under 19 (or 19 if still in high school) receives 75 percent of the worker's PIA.
  • A child age 19 or older who is disabled receives 75 percent of the worker's PIA, with no age limit.
  • A spouse caring for a child under 16 receives 75 percent of the worker's PIA, regardless of the spouse's age.
  • A spouse age 62 or older receives 32 to 50 percent of the worker's PIA, depending on the spouse's age at the time of claim.
  • A divorced spouse age 62 or older receives the same percentage as a current spouse.
  • A widow(er) age 60 or older receives 71.5 to 100 percent of the worker's PIA, depending on age.
  • A widow(er) age 50 to 59 who is disabled receives 71.5 percent of the worker's PIA.
  • A widow(er) caring for a child under 16 receives 75 percent of the worker's PIA.
  • A parent age 62 or older receives 75 percent of the worker's PIA per parent.

The total amount paid to all family members on the worker's record cannot exceed 150 to 180 percent of the worker's PIA. If the total would exceed this cap, Social Security reduces each family member's benefit proportionally. This is called the family maximum. For example, if the worker receives $2,000 per month and the family maximum is 175 percent, the total paid to the worker and all dependents cannot exceed $3,500 per month.

Where and How to Submit Your process

You have three options: explore online at ssa.gov, explore by mail, or explore in person at your local Social Security office. The online option is fastest if you have a my Social Security account. To create one, go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," and follow the steps. You will need an email address and a phone number. Once your account is set up, you can start an process for dependent benefits and upload documents directly.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read Form SSA-8 or SSA-25 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your documents to your local Social Security office. Find your office address at ssa.gov/locator. Keep copies of everything you send.

To explore in person, call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment at your local office, or walk in during business hours. Bring original documents or certified copies. An employee will help you fill out the form and will tell you what happens next.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security will send you a notice within two weeks confirming that they received your process. If documents are missing, they will contact you by phone or mail and ask you to send them. You have 60 days to respond. If you do not respond within 60 days, Social Security will deny your process, but you can reapply at any time.

Once Social Security has all the documents they need, they will review your process and calculate your benefit amount. This usually takes two to four more weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether you were approved or denied. If approved, the notice will show your monthly benefit amount and the date your benefits will start. Benefits are paid monthly by direct deposit, check, or debit card.

If you are denied, the notice will explain why. You have 60 days to request reconsideration, which means asking Social Security to review the decision. You can submit new evidence or explain why you think the decision was wrong. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.

Rules About Work, Age, and Continuing to Receive Benefits

If you are a child, your benefits continue until you turn 19, unless you are disabled. If you are disabled, benefits continue as long as you remain disabled, with no age limit. If you are a student, benefits continue through the month you turn 19, even if you are still in school.

If you are a spouse or widow(er), your benefits continue as long as you remain married (for a spouse) or unmarried (for a widow(er)) and meet the age or caregiving requirements. If a spouse remarries, benefits stop. If a widow(er) remarries before age 60, benefits stop; if they remarry at 60 or older, benefits continue.

There is no limit on how much you can earn while receiving dependent benefits. Unlike the worker's SSDI, which has no earnings limit, dependent benefits are not affected by work income. However, if you are a child and you turn 19 while still in high school, your benefits continue through the month you turn 19 only if you are a full-time student. Once you graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first, benefits stop unless you are disabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim dependent benefits if the worker is still working?

No. The worker must be approved for SSDI and in payment status — meaning they have already been found disabled and their benefits have started — before you can claim dependent benefits on their record. If the worker is still working and has not yet applied for SSDI, you cannot claim yet. Once they are approved and receiving benefits, you can file.

What if the worker and I are not married but we have a child together?

If you are the biological parent of the worker's child, you can claim benefits on the worker's record as a parent if you are age 62 or older and the worker was providing at least half your support when they became disabled. The child can claim at any age if unmarried. You do not need to be married to the worker for the child to claim dependent benefits.

Can I claim dependent benefits on more than one person's record?

No. You can only receive dependent benefits on one worker's record at a time. If you are may be able to access on more than one record, Social Security will pay you the higher amount. You cannot receive both amounts.

Do dependent benefits count as income for other programs like Medicaid or food stamps?

Yes. Dependent benefits are counted as unearned income when you explore for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps (SNAP), or other means-tested programs. The amount of your dependent benefits may reduce the amount of other benefits you receive or make you ineligible. Contact your state Medicaid or SNAP office to learn how dependent benefits affect your case.

What if the worker dies after I start receiving dependent benefits?

Your benefits will change. If you are a child, your benefits will stop when you turn 19 (or 20 if still in high school), unless you are disabled. If you are a spouse or parent, you may be able to claim widow(er)'s benefits instead, which have different age and amount rules. Contact Social Security when ready if the worker dies so they can explain what benefits you may be able to receive.