What Are Children’s Benefits?

disabled parent needing children's benefits for son due to not being able to return to work

Children’s Benefits are Social Security Disability payments that are paid to the dependent children of a person that is receiving SSDI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that it is more expensive to support children than it is to support only one’s self. They offer Children’s Benefits in order to ensure that the children have enough resources to be raised properly.

How Much Are Children’s Benefits?

Generally, a child is awarded half of the benefits that the parent is awarded. For example, if you are receiving $1,000 per month, your child would receive $500, bringing the family total to $1,500 per month.

There is, however, a limit to the amount that a total family can receive, which is 180% of the parent’s payment. So, if you are receiving $1,000 per month, and have two children, each will receive $400 per month, raising the total to a maximum of $1,800 (which is 180% of the parent’s payment). If you have three children, each will receive $267, so that the maximum is still $1,800. The amount that a child receives differs from case to case.

How Long Do Children’s Benefits Last?

Children’s Benefits generally last until the child is 18 years old, but can last until they are 19 years old if the child is still enrolled full time in high school. The child also has to remain unmarried. Once the child is 18 and enters college, they become ineligible for Children’s Benefits.

What If Your Child Is Also Disabled?

a child that meets the SSA disability requirements and eligible to receive Children's BenefitsIf your child meets the SSA disability requirements, they may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for their disability, but they may not be able to receive SSDI unless you are also receiving SSDI.

If your child is disabled before the age of 22, they are able to receive Children’s Benefits so long as you continue to receive SSDI Benefits. After the age of 18, your child’s disability will be determined by adult guidelines. If they are determined to be disabled, they may be able to continue receiving Children’s Benefits.

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Why Hire Us?

RI Social Security Disability Lawyer meeting with couple to apply for Children’s BenefitsIf you are receiving Social Security Disability Benefits and you have a dependent child, your child may qualify for Children’s Benefits. Our Social Security Disability lawyers have been years of experience handling these types of claims throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. They charge no fee unless you win your claim and get past-due benefits. Call our toll free number or fill out a contact form on our website for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.