Our Social Security Disability attorneys in Oakland, CA are ready to help you and your family with any issues regarding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is a federal program that pays benefits to disabled individuals who are unable to work and have previously paid into the Social Security System. Benefit amounts are based on the number of work credits each individual earned during their employment.
SSDI also provides additional support if a beneficiary has eligible dependents. Under certain circumstances, children and spouses may be eligible for what are called auxiliary benefits. Auxiliary benefits may also be referred to as family benefits.
To learn more about the types of beneficiaries the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers eligible for SSDI related benefits, visit the SSA’s website. If you would like to better understand Social Security auxiliary benefits, continue reading.
Auxiliary Benefits for SSDI Explained
Auxiliary benefits are paid to dependent spouses and children of individuals receiving SSDI. Auxiliary benefits can be beneficial to anyone with dependents, as these benefits are awarded in addition to regular SSDI payments. Whenever family size changes, the benefit amount can change, as well.
How Do Auxiliary Benefits Work?
Not all SSDI beneficiaries are eligible to receive auxiliary benefits. Auxiliary benefits are calculated based on the amount you are entitled to receive through SSDI. Your monthly benefit amount is based on the payroll taxes you formerly paid while you were working.
Who receives auxiliary benefits?
If you are eligible to receive auxiliary benefits, your dependent children and/or spouse will qualify for them. Sometimes, a divorced spouse of an SSDI beneficiary can also receive these benefits.
SSA Auxiliary Child Benefits
To receive auxiliary benefits for a child, said child must meet strict guidelines. Children must be unmarried and under age 18, or under 19 and enrolled in high school full time to receive auxiliary benefits. Children who are found to be completely disabled before age 22 can also qualify for auxiliary benefits.
SSA Auxiliary Spousal Benefits
In order for a dependent spouse to receive auxiliary benefits, they must be at least 62 years old or be caring for a child of the beneficiary who is under 16 years of age. They may also be eligible if the child is disabled and became disabled before age 22.
Auxiliary benefits back pay, or retroactive benefits, can also be awarded to family dependents. Back pay can go back to the SSDI beneficiary’s disability established onset date.
How Much Do Dependents Get for SSDI Auxiliary Benefits?
An eligible dependent may receive up to 50% of the disabled person’s SSDI benefits in auxiliary payments. Both children and spousal benefits are divided evenly from the total auxiliary benefit amount. This rule also applies if an SSDI beneficiary has multiple children.
In the case of multiple dependents, there is a limit for families known as the Maximum Family Benefit (MFB) amount. In the case of SSDI auxiliary payments, the MFB can’t be more than 150%, or less than 100%, of the beneficiary’s primary insurance amount, or PIA. The PIA is the monthly benefit amount received by the SSDI beneficiary.
The MFB of a disabled worker is also 85% of the worker’s Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). However, it cannot be less than the worker’s PIA nor more than 150% of the PIA.
Contact Ortega Disability Group
Our SSDI attorneys at Ortega Disability Group are here to help you understand what you’re entitled to. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. We have years of experience advocating for disabled workers.
You don’t have to go through the SSDI application process alone. Allow our experienced legal team to guide you through this difficult time. We’ll help you and your family members determine if you’re eligible for auxiliary benefits after receiving Social Security Disability benefits.
