If you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your minor children are also awarded benefits. These benefits are in addition to your monthly disability payments, and are intended to help provide the necessities of life for your children. If you remain disabled, the children’s benefits will continue until their 18th birthday (a child still in high school can receive benefits until age 19).
It is a significant amount of additional money. A child’s benefit typically is 50% of the parent’s monthly disability benefit. However, there is a “family maximum” of monthly benefits allowed.
Be sure to tell Social Security about your minor children when you apply for disability benefits, and be sure to tell your Social Security disability lawyer about your minor children so that your lawyer can follow up with the local Social Security field office to make sure these benefits are paid, once your disability is established.