Can I get child-in-care spousal benefits if my husband receives SSDI with kids age 17, 8, 8 & 5?

Yes, you're almost certainly eligible for what's technically called \

Thank you so much for this detailed information! I had no idea there was an earnings limit - that explains why I got conflicting information. Since I make $24,000, that's only $1,680 over the limit, so they'd reduce my benefit by $840 annually (if I'm calculating correctly)?\n\nI'm guessing these benefits would end when my youngest turns 16, right? So we'd get about 11 more years of this additional help, which would be so helpful with my husband's medical expenses constantly increasing.

i got these for awhile when my husband was on ssdi. they stopped them when my youngest turned 16 even tho i still had my disabled son at home. make sure u have ORIGINAL birth certificates they wont take copies!!!!! and bring marriage license too. the amount is 50% of your husbands benefit but they reduce it alot if you work.

Thanks for sharing your experience! Good to know about needing the original documents - I'll make sure to bring those. Did you have to apply in person or could you do it over the phone? I'm trying to avoid taking time off work if possible.

My situation was similar to yours - husband on SSDI, kids getting benefits. I tried getting the child-in-care benefit but was denied because I made too much money. I think the cutoff was around $20,000 or something? This was back in 2021 though so the numbers have probably changed. It's worth applying either way because worst they can say is no.

The earnings limit increases each year with COLA adjustments. For 2025, it's $22,320 for those under full retirement age. She would still get some benefits even with her current earnings, just reduced somewhat. Each situation is different, but it's definitely worth applying in this case.

You should definitely qualify! I was in almost the exact same situation last year. The benefit amount will be up to 50% of your husband's SSDI amount, but like others mentioned, it gets reduced if you earn over the limit. The SSA people are REALLY inconsistent with information sometimes. My first rep told me I wouldn't qualify at all because of my age (I'm 41). Had to call back and got someone who actually knew the rules.

This is why I always recommend Claimyr when people need to contact SSA by phone. I spent days trying to get through about my mother's benefits, then used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU \n\nSaved me hours of hold music and getting disconnected. Definitely worth it for important benefit questions where you need correct information.

I'd like to clarify a few things about the Mother's/Father's benefit (child-in-care spouse benefit):\n\n1. You must be caring for your husband's child who is either under 16 or disabled, AND that child must be receiving benefits on your husband's record.\n\n2. Your benefit amount before any reductions would be 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).\n\n3. There's a family maximum that caps the total amount all of you can receive (typically 150-180% of the worker's benefit), so your benefit might be reduced if the total would exceed that maximum.\n\n4. As others mentioned, the earnings test applies. For 2025, your benefits are reduced $1 for every $2 you earn above $22,320.\n\n5. These benefits terminate when you no longer have a child under 16 or disabled in your care, even if you have older children still receiving benefits.\n\nYou should definitely apply. If approved, these benefits could provide significant help to your family for several years until your youngest turns 16.

Thank you for this clear breakdown! Regarding the family maximum - does that mean adding my benefit might reduce what my children receive? I definitely wouldn't want that to happen if it means my kids would get less.

The family maximum only affects your benefit amount if the total would exceed the maximum. Your husband's SSDI benefit is always paid in full. Then the children's benefits are paid next. If there's any room left under the maximum, that's what you would receive as the child-in-care spouse.\n\nSo no, your children's benefits wouldn't be reduced by you applying - your potential benefit would just be reduced if necessary to stay under the family maximum. You have nothing to lose by applying.

That's a relief! I was worried about accidentally reducing their benefits. I'll definitely apply. Sounds like I should try to do it in person with all our original documents. Thanks everyone for the helpful information!

DO NOT TRUST what the SSA tells you over the phone!!! I was told THREE DIFFERENT THINGS by three different reps about this EXACT benefit!!! The system is BROKEN and half these people don't know what they're talking about. I finally got approved after fighting them for 6 months and had to get my congressman involved. They owed me $7,800 in back payments they tried to deny me!!!\n\nGET EVERYTHING IN WRITING and take names of who you talk to. And don't let them bully you if you know you qualify!!!!!

This is so true! The inconsistency between reps is mind-boggling. I had to call back 4 times before I got someone who actually knew the policy. It helps if you can quote the specific law/rule number to them sometimes.

u should apply online its easier than going in. thats what i did. but they will probably call u for a phone interview anyways. make sure u have all the papers ready when they call!!!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to gather all our documents and apply this week. I'll try calling again first to set up an appointment, but if I can't get through, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update once I hear back from SSA about my application!

Good luck! Definitely let us know how it goes. The child-in-care benefit can be so helpful for families in your situation.