Can my SSDI daughter receive additional Social Security benefits for her teenage children?

Yes! Your daughter's children absolutely can and SHOULD be receiving benefits! Children of disabled workers can receive up to 50% of the parent's disability benefit amount. Since they're both under 18, they definitely qualify. She needs to apply for them as soon as possible because there might be some back benefits available too, though they usually only go back 6 months from application date. To apply, she needs to call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment (good luck getting through) or visit her local office with the children's birth certificates, Social Security numbers, and her own info. She can also start the process online at ssa.gov but will still need to complete it with a representative.

my nephew get benefits from his dad's disability. its been really helpful for them. think they got like $650 a month for him but that was a few years ago

Your daughter is missing out on significant benefits! There's something called auxiliary benefits for dependents of SSDI recipients. Each child can receive up to 50% of the disabled parent's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), though there is a Family Maximum Benefit (FMB) that typically caps the total at 150-180% of the disabled worker's benefit. The application process requires: - Form SSA-16 (for the children) - Birth certificates for both teens - Social Security numbers for everyone - Your daughter's banking information for direct deposits - Any custody documentation if relevant after the divorce There's a good chance she could receive some retroactive benefits, but generally only for up to 6 months back from the application date, so she should apply ASAP to avoid losing more potential back pay. Be aware that when the oldest turns 18, their benefits will end unless they're still in high school (benefits can continue until graduation or age 19 and 2 months, whichever comes first).

Unfortunately, getting through to SSA to apply for these benefits is a complete NIGHTMARE these days. My brother tried for WEEKS to get through for his kid's benefits. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours only to have the office close. It's ridiculous how they treat disabled people who literally can't sit on hold all day because of their conditions!!!

My sister has been receiving SSDI for about 5 years, and her two kids (ages 10 and 13) get auxiliary benefits. It was a game-changer for their family budget. However, I want to clarify something important: the Family Maximum Benefit will likely mean each child won't get the full 50% of your daughter's benefit amount. In my sister's case, her SSDI is around $2,200/month, but because of the family maximum, each child receives about $550/month (so roughly 25% each instead of 50%). Still significant money! Also, when they applied, they received about 4 months of back pay, which helped them catch up on some bills. Definitely worth applying right away!

is this the same as SSI? my friends kid gets SSI payments but thats cuz the kid has disabilities not the parent

tell her to go to the office IN PERSON!!! do NOT rely on the phone. my daughter wasted 6 months trying to call about her sons benefits on her disability. we finally just went to the local office and waited all morning but at least got it done in one day!!!

Just to add a bit more info since there are some good questions here: 1. Regarding the Family Maximum Benefit that several people mentioned - yes, there is a cap that's generally 150-180% of the disabled parent's benefit. With two children, they might each get somewhat less than 50%, but it's still significant. 2. Timeline: Once she applies, it typically takes 1-3 months for auxiliary benefits to be approved (much faster than disability applications). Back benefits are limited to 6 months from application date. 3. The older child's benefits will stop at age 18 unless they're still in high school, in which case benefits can continue until graduation or age 19 and 2 months, whichever comes first. 4. Application process: If your daughter has mobility issues, she can: - Start the application online at ssa.gov - Call for a phone appointment - Request an in-person appointment - In some cases, request an accommodation if visiting the office is difficult Make sure she doesn't delay - every month she waits is potentially lost back benefits!