Social Security Dependent Benefits:Eligibility & Qualification,Amount and Payment dates Do you need to claim for Social Security Dependent Benefits get Complete Guide and Details about Eligibility and Qualifications to know who can Apply for Social Security Dependent Benefits,Paid amount and Payout schedule.
What is Social Security Dependent Benefits
Dependents benefits are social security proceeds which may be received by those who rely on the primary recipient’s income. Dependents benefits often take the form of survivor benefits, although in some circumstances dependents may receive benefits while the recipient still lives.
Dependents of recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible to receive dependents benefits. Only the spouse, child, or parent of the recipient qualify as dependents.
Who Qualifies as a Social Security Dependent?
For Social Security purposes, eligible dependents can include:4
- Spouses
- Ex-spouses
- Dependent children or grandchildren
- Dependent parents
Benefits for the Spouses of Retirees
The spouse of a retiree who is already drawing Social Security is eligible to receive a spousal benefit. The payment equals up to one-half of the retired spouse’s monthly payment, also known as their primary insurance amount (PIA). In order to receive this benefit, the spouse receiving the spousal benefit must be at least 62 years old or be caring for a child who is younger than 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.6
Benefits for Surviving Spouses
Survivor benefits are available to widows or widowers, based on their late spouse’s earnings record. To receive these benefits, the surviving spouse must be at least 60 years old, or 50 if disabled. (The disability must have begun before or within seven years of the worker’s death.)
Benefits for Divorced Spouses
If you are divorced from a retired worker, you’re eligible to receive an amount equal to one-half of your former spouse’s PIA, provided you were married for at least 10 years.
Benefits for Children and Grandchildren
Children can qualify for a benefit as the survivor of a deceased worker or as the dependent of a living parent who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Children need to be one of the following:12
- Unmarried
- Under the age of 18 (or 19 if they are a full-time student in elementary or secondary school)
- 18 or older and disabled from a disability that started before age 22
Benefits for Disabled Children
Children with disabilities can be eligible for Social Security benefits, but the requirements and application process can be arduous. Social Security says that the child must have a physical or mental condition that severely limits their activity and is expected to last more than one year or result in the child’s death.
Benefits for Dependent Parents
Some parents legally depend on a child due to economic circumstances or disability. The dependent parents of a deceased worker who is 62 or older can receive 82.5% of the worker’s benefit for one parent or 75% each for two parents.17
Family Benefit Maximum
Benefits to dependents are subject to a maximum monthly retirement and survivor payout from Social Security to the family as a whole. This total figure is based on the worker’s own monthly payment. The total payout to the family varies, but dependent benefits typically range between 150% to 180% of the worker’s payment
