The answer depends on what type of disability payment you are receiving. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”), then your children cannot also receive a check solely because you receive disability. However, if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”), then your children might also be eligible for a monthly benefit. This is called the family maximum. Your children include your biological children, adopted children, and dependent stepchildren.
Your child may be eligible for benefits if they are not married and younger than 18 years old.
It is also possible for your child to be eligible for a monthly benefit if they are over 18 years old in two circumstances. If your child is under 19 years old but is a full-time student in a secondary school, then they could be eligible for a monthly benefit. If your child is also disabled and has been disabled since before their 22nd birthday, then they could also be eligible.
If you included your dependent children on your SSDI application, then you should not have to apply for the family maximum once awarded benefits. If you left your dependent children off your SSDI application, then you will have to call your local Social Security office once awarded benefits.
