Can my spouse and children receive benefits based on my disability?

Yes, certain members of your family may be eligible to receive benefits due to your disability. These benefits may be paid to your spouse, divorced spouse, children, disabled children or adult children before age 22. Each family member may be eligible for a benefit of up to 50 percent of your monthly disability benefit amount.

The benefits for your spouse are payable when your spouse turns 62, unless they collect a higher Social Security benefit, or at any age if your spouse is caring for a child under the age of 16. Your spouse would receive these benefits until the child reaches age 16, at which point the child is still eligible for benefits, however your spouse is not until she reaches the age of 62.

If you are divorced, your ex-spouse is eligible for benefits if they were married to you for at least 10 years, at least 62 years old, are unmarried and ar not be eligible for an equal or higher Social Security benefit.

Your child may be eligible for benefits if they are under 18 years old, are 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12), or are 18 or older and have a disability that started before age 22.

Source: Social Security Administration