What you need to do to claim benefits as a family member

To claim SSDI family benefits, you file a single process with Social Security that covers both the disabled worker and the family members who depend on them. You do not file separate applications for each person. The worker's case must be approved first — Social Security will not process family member claims until the primary applicant's disability information is complete. Once the worker is approved, Social Security automatically reviews which family members are may have access to to benefits based on their relationship and age.

The process itself is the same form for everyone in the household: the SSA-16, process for Disability Insurance Benefits. You can start online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. When you explore, you will need to provide information about every family member who might be may have access to to benefits, not just the disabled worker.

Key Takeaways

  • You file one process that includes the disabled worker and all family members who may be may have access to to benefits, not separate applications for each person.
  • The disabled worker's case must be approved before Social Security will process claims for spouses, children, or other dependents.
  • You will need birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of custody, and Social Security numbers for everyone included in the process.
  • Social Security contacts you by mail or phone to request additional documents; the process typically takes three to six months from start to approval.
  • Family members can begin receiving benefits the month after the worker is approved, even if their own paperwork is still being reviewed.

Documents you need to gather before you start

Social Security will ask for proof of identity and relationship for every person on the process. For the disabled worker, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a current photo ID (driver's license or passport), and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If the worker has been married before, bring divorce decrees or death certificates for previous spouses.

For each family member claiming benefits, you will need their birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of their relationship to the worker. A spouse needs a marriage certificate. Children need birth certificates showing both parents' names, or adoption papers if applicable. If you have custody of a grandchild or other relative, bring the custody order or guardianship papers. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You will also need recent pay stubs or tax returns for the disabled worker to show their work history and earnings. If the worker is self-employed, bring two years of tax returns. Social Security uses this information to calculate the benefit amount.

Where to file your process

You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability, by calling 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time), or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. The online process is fastest if you have all your documents ready and can complete it in one session. You can save your progress and return later, but the form will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity.

If you call, a representative will walk you through the questions and schedule an appointment to submit your documents. If you go in person, bring all your documents with you and expect to spend 30 to 45 minutes in the office. You do not need an appointment for the initial process, but calling ahead can reduce your wait time.

After you file, Social Security will send you a receipt notice in the mail. Keep this notice — it has your process number, which you will use to check the status of your case online or by phone.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security sends your process to a Disability information Services office in your state. This office reviews the medical evidence for the disabled worker and decides whether they meet the definition of disability. This step usually takes 30 to 90 days, though it can take longer if the office needs more medical records.

While the worker's case is being reviewed, Social Security does not process the family member claims. Once the worker is approved, Social Security automatically determines which family members are may have access to to benefits. This second review is usually faster — often just a few weeks — because it only involves checking relationships and ages, not medical evidence.

Social Security will contact you by mail or phone if they need more information. They may ask for additional medical records, employment history, or documents you did not submit with the process. Respond as quickly as you can; delays in sending requested documents can slow down your approval.

When family members can start receiving payments

Family members can receive benefits starting the month after the disabled worker is approved, even if Social Security is still reviewing their own paperwork. For example, if the worker is approved in March, a spouse or child can start receiving payments in April while their claim is still being processed.

The first payment arrives by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set up your account. Most payments are deposited on the third of each month, though the exact date depends on the worker's birth date. If you set up direct deposit during your process, payments will go to your bank account automatically. If you did not set up direct deposit, Social Security will mail a check.

If Social Security later denies a family member's claim (for example, because they do not meet the age or relationship requirements), they will stop receiving payments and notify you in writing. You have the right to request reconsideration or to appeal the decision.

What to do if your process is denied

If Social Security denies the disabled worker's process, no family members can receive benefits. You have the right to request reconsideration, which means Social Security will review your case again with a different examiner. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the denial notice.

To request reconsideration, fill out form SSA-561, Request for Reconsideration, and mail it to the address on your denial notice. You can also request reconsideration by phone or in person at your local Social Security office. Include any new medical evidence or documents that were not in your original process.

If Social Security denies reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. You do not need a lawyer, but many people find it helpful to have one. Legal aid organizations in your area may offer free representation if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Changes you must report to Social Security

After you are approved, you must tell Social Security about certain changes in your life or the lives of your family members. Report changes within 30 days to avoid overpayments or delays in benefits. Changes that matter include: a family member turns 19 (or 18 if not a full-time student), a child leaves school, a spouse remarries or divorces, someone moves out of the household, or the disabled worker returns to work.

You can report changes online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. Social Security also sends notices when a family member's benefits are about to end — for example, when a child turns 19 — so watch your mail for these notifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for family benefits if the disabled worker has not yet been approved?

You can file the process, but Social Security will not process the family member claims until the worker is approved. Filing early does not speed up the process, but it does mean the family members' benefits can start the month after approval rather than months later.

What if the disabled worker is already receiving SSDI when I want to claim as a family member?

Contact Social Security to add yourself to the case. You will still need to provide proof of relationship and identity. Social Security will review your claim and notify you of the decision. If you are approved, your benefits can start the month after approval.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI family benefits?

You do not need a lawyer to file the initial process. Many people complete the process on their own. A lawyer becomes more useful if your process is denied and you decide to appeal. Some lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

What happens to family benefits if the disabled worker goes back to work?

Family members' benefits may continue even if the worker returns to work, depending on how much the worker earns. Social Security has rules about how much a disabled worker can earn without losing benefits. Tell Social Security when ready if the worker starts working so they can recalculate everyone's benefits.

How long does it take to get approved for family benefits?

The entire process — from process to approval for both the worker and family members — typically takes three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs additional medical records or if the case is complex. You can check your process status online using your receipt notice number.