What dependent benefits are and who can receive them

If someone you depend on receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be able to receive benefits based on their work record — even if you have never worked or have not worked recently. These are called dependent benefits. The person receiving SSDI is called the "primary beneficiary," and you would be a "dependent beneficiary."

Dependent benefits exist because SSDI recognizes that disability affects entire families. If a working person becomes disabled and receives SSDI, their spouse or children may face financial hardship. Dependent benefits help replace some of that lost household income.

The amount you receive is a percentage of what the primary beneficiary receives — typically 50 percent for a spouse and 50 percent for each child, though the exact amount depends on family circumstances. The total paid to all family members cannot exceed a certain limit, which varies by case.

Key Takeaways

  • You can receive dependent benefits based on someone else's SSDI record if you are their spouse, ex-spouse, or child under 19 (or 19 if still in high school).
  • The process process starts at your local Social Security office or online through Social Security's website, not through a separate form.
  • You will need documents proving your relationship to the primary beneficiary, your age or school status, and your citizenship or legal residency.
  • Social Security will contact the primary beneficiary to verify the information you provide, so let them know you are explore.
  • Processing typically takes two to three months, though it can be faster if all documents are submitted at once.

Who can receive dependent benefits

You can receive dependent benefits if you meet one of these relationships to someone receiving SSDI:

As a spouse: You must be at least 62 years old, or any age if you are caring for a child under 16 who is also receiving benefits on the same SSDI record. If you are divorced, you may still receive benefits on your ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you have not remarried.

As a child: You must be under 19 and unmarried. If you are 19 or older and still in high school full-time, you can receive benefits until you graduate or turn 20, whichever comes first. Children who became disabled before age 22 can continue receiving benefits as adults, with no age limit.

As a grandchild or step-grandchild: You may receive benefits if you meet the age requirements above and the primary beneficiary was legally responsible for your support before becoming disabled.

Documents you will need to bring

Social Security will ask for documents proving who you are, your relationship to the primary beneficiary, and your current circumstances. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted.

For all applicants: a birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a green card or visa), and a photo ID if you have one.

To prove your relationship: a marriage certificate (if explore as a spouse), a divorce decree and proof of the marriage length (if explore as an ex-spouse), or a birth certificate showing the primary beneficiary as a parent (if explore as a child).

If you are a child in school: a letter from your school on school letterhead stating your name, date of birth, and current enrollment status, dated within the last 30 days.

If you are caring for a child under 16: proof that you are the caregiver, such as custody papers or a letter from the child's school.

Where and how to start your process

You do not fill out a separate form for dependent benefits. Instead, you contact Social Security and tell them you want to explore as a dependent on someone else's SSDI record.

You can start in three ways: visit your local Social Security office in person, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or go to ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account to begin an online process. The online route is often fastest if you have all your documents ready and can upload them.

When you contact Social Security, have the primary beneficiary's Social Security number ready. You will be asked basic questions about your relationship, age, and whether you are working. If you are explore in person or by phone, Social Security will schedule you for an appointment or interview, which may happen over the phone.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit your process, Social Security will send you a notice telling you what documents they received and what else they need. If documents are missing, they will give you a important date — usually 10 days — to send them. Missing this important date can delay your case, so respond as soon as you can.

Social Security will contact the primary beneficiary to verify that you are indeed their spouse or child and that the information you provided is correct. This is routine and does not mean anything is wrong with your process.

Processing typically takes two to three months from the date you submit all required documents. You will receive a written decision in the mail. If you are approved, the notice will tell you when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the notice will explain why and tell you how to request reconsideration.

What to do if you are denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to ask them to reconsider. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice. You can do this by phone, in person, or online through your my Social Security account.

When you request reconsideration, you can submit new documents or information that you did not have when you first applied. For example, if Social Security said your relationship to the primary beneficiary was not proven, you could submit additional documents like photos together, letters from family members, or school records showing the same address.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process, and many people hire a representative to help them. You must request a hearing within 60 days of the reconsideration denial.

How dependent benefits affect work and other income

If you are under full retirement age and you work, Social Security will reduce your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain amount. For 2024, that amount is $23,400 per year, though this changes yearly. Once you reach full retirement age, you can work without any reduction to your benefits.

Other income — such as unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, or pensions — does not reduce your dependent benefits. However, if you receive benefits from another government program (such as a state disability program), Social Security may reduce your dependent benefits by the amount you receive from that program.

If the primary beneficiary's SSDI benefits end — for example, because they return to work — your dependent benefits will also end. Social Security will notify you before this happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for dependent benefits if the primary beneficiary has not started receiving SSDI yet?

No. The primary beneficiary must already be receiving SSDI before you can explore as a dependent. If they have been approved but have not yet received their first payment, you can explore when ready. If they are still waiting for a decision on their own SSDI process, you will need to wait until they are approved.

What if I am a child and I turn 19 while my process is being processed?

If you turn 19 before Social Security makes a decision, you will no longer be able to receive benefits unless you are still in high school full-time. Let Social Security know when ready if your school status changes, as this affects whether you can continue to receive benefits.

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

No. You can only receive dependent benefits on one SSDI record at a time. If you are may be able to access to receive benefits on more than one record, Social Security will pay you based on whichever record gives you the higher amount.

Do I need to report changes to Social Security after I start receiving dependent benefits?

Yes. You must report changes such as marriage, divorce, moving to a different address, starting or stopping work, or changes in school status. You can report changes by phone, in person, or through your my Social Security account. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments that you may have to repay.

What if the primary beneficiary passes away?

If the primary beneficiary dies, your dependent benefits will end. However, you may become may be able to access for survivor benefits instead, which are based on their work record. Contact Social Security when ready if the primary beneficiary passes away, as there are time limits for explore for survivor benefits.