Can my kids qualify for Medicare when I get SSDI? Family coverage questions with working spouse

Your children would qualify for auxiliary benefits (not Medicare) based on your SSDI record - typically about 50% of your benefit amount each, but subject to the family maximum which caps the total. Your husband could potentially receive spousal benefits too, but only if he's caring for a child under 16. However, Medicare ONLY covers you as the disabled individual. It does not extend to family members regardless of whether they receive auxiliary benefits. Your children might qualify for your state's CHIP program depending on your family income. Your husband would need to look at marketplace plans or possibly coverage through his business. Keep documenting everything for your SSDI application. Medical records showing progression and treatment attempts are critical. The third-party company should help with this, but having your own attorney for appeals is often wise since most claims are denied initially.

Medicare is ONLY for the disabled person on SSDI or people over 65!!! The kids don't get Medicare at all! They might get some money but not the insurance. Its the biggest problem with disability in this country, I've been dealing with it for years with my wife's MS. We had to keep her on my work insurance with COBRA for 2 YEARS after she got SSDI waiting for Medicare to kick in, and then I STILL had to figure out insurance for our kids. The system is BROKEN!!!!!

Have you checked if your state has any special programs for kids? My brother got SSDI last year and his kids got on our state children's health program even though his wife works. Income limits are higher for kids than adults in most places. Good luck with everything!

I went thru almost the same thing last yr. The kids can get SSI money, its like 200-300$ per kid each month in my case. But medicare only covers the disabled person. My husband makes decent money but not enough for private insurance so the kids ended up on medicaid in our state.

I know you're focused on the Medicare aspect, but don't underestimate how valuable those auxiliary SSDI benefits for your children could be. My daughter receives about $850/month from my disability record. There's no income test for these benefits since they're based on YOUR work record, not your husband's income. But there is a family maximum that will cap the total everyone can receive. As for healthcare, I had the same problem. When I finally got on Medicare, my husband was left scrambling for coverage for our kids. We ended up looking at Healthcare.gov and found our kids qualified for a premium subsidy based on our income. It wasn't perfect but better than nothing. Some states also have specific programs for children with more generous income limits than adult programs. Calling Social Security directly to get accurate information about auxiliary benefits was nearly impossible - I was on hold for hours and kept getting disconnected. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real person at SSA in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it saved me so much frustration. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone who could answer my specific questions about my family's benefits.

my cousins kids got benifits when she got disabled but her husband made too much money so he didnt get anything. the kids each got like half of what she got each month i think.

i think you should look into medicaid for the kids. its different than medicare. medicaid is for low income and medicare is for disabled/elderly. depends on your state but a lot of times kids can get on even when adults cant.

MS is tough so sorry ur dealing with this. I'm thinking ur kids will probably qualify for ur states CHIP program even with husband working, the income limits r pretty high for kids programs. But they def won't get Medicare, that's just for u when ur on SSDI. But they WILL get monthly $ from social security as dependent benefits which is super helpful. My kids got about $650 each when I got on disability but there's a family max so with 3 kids they might get a bit less each. Hope this helps and good luck!

To summarize the accurate information shared above: 1. Your children would qualify for auxiliary benefits based on your SSDI record once you're approved. These benefits are typically 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount per child, but subject to a family maximum limit. 2. Your husband would only qualify for spousal benefits if caring for a child under 16 or if he's retirement age. 3. Medicare will only cover you as the disabled individual after the 24-month waiting period following SSDI approval. It doesn't extend to family members. 4. For healthcare coverage for your children, look into: - Your state's CHIP/Children's Medicaid program (income limits are more generous for children) - Marketplace plans with premium tax credits based on your modified adjusted gross income - Continuation of any current coverage you have 5. For your husband, options include: - Self-employed health insurance (which is tax-deductible) - Marketplace plans with possible subsidies - Exploring if he qualifies for any professional association group plans The most important thing now is focusing on your SSDI application. Make sure you have comprehensive medical documentation of your MS progression, limitations, and treatment history. Consider having an attorney review your application before submission, especially if the third-party company isn't SSDI-specialized.

I'm going through something very similar with my husband's recent disability diagnosis. One thing I learned that might help - when you do get approved for SSDI, make sure to apply for your children's auxiliary benefits right away. Don't assume it's automatic. We had to specifically request it and provide birth certificates and other documentation for each child. Also, regarding healthcare for your husband - since he's self-employed, he might be able to deduct health insurance premiums as a business expense, which could make marketplace plans more affordable. We ended up finding a decent plan that way, though it's still not cheap. The waiting is the hardest part. Hang in there, and don't give up if you get denied initially. Most people do, but appeals often succeed with proper documentation. Your daily symptom journal is smart - that kind of detailed record really helps show the progression and impact of your condition.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with MS and all the uncertainty around benefits. I went through a similar situation when my wife was diagnosed with a chronic condition. One thing that really helped us was connecting with a local MS support group - they had members who had navigated the SSDI process and could share real-world experiences about what worked and what didn't. Regarding the healthcare coverage gap you mentioned, we found that some states have "bridge" programs or special enrollment periods that can help families in transition. Also, if you're still employed (even part-time) when you apply for SSDI, you might be able to keep your employer coverage longer through various accommodations. The income limits for children's programs are definitely more generous than adult programs in most states. We were surprised that our kids qualified for our state's program even though we thought we made "too much." It's worth applying even if you're unsure - the worst they can say is no. Keep advocating for yourself throughout this process. Document everything, keep copies of all paperwork, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The system is complicated, but there are people and resources to help guide you through it.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the uncertainty around benefits and healthcare coverage when dealing with a disability is incredibly stressful. I wanted to add a few points that might help based on my experience navigating similar issues. First, regarding the auxiliary benefits for your children - these are actually quite valuable and there's no income test based on your husband's earnings. Each child can receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit amount, but the family maximum usually caps the total at around 150-180% of your benefit. With three children, they'll likely each receive somewhat less than the full 50% due to this cap, but it's still significant monthly income. For healthcare coverage, definitely explore your state's CHIP program for the kids. Many states have expanded these programs and the income limits are much more generous than you might expect. Also, when you do get Medicare (after the 24-month waiting period), consider looking into Medicare Supplement plans or Medicare Advantage plans that might better cover your MS medications than traditional Medicare alone. One thing I'd strongly recommend is contacting your state's disability advocacy organization or independent living center. They often have benefits counselors who can walk you through all the programs you might qualify for - both federal and state level. They're usually free and can really help you understand the whole picture of what support is available. The fact that you're keeping detailed symptom records is excellent. That documentation will be crucial for your SSDI application. Don't get discouraged if you're initially denied - it's unfortunately very common, but many people succeed on appeal with proper documentation and representation.

I'm a benefits counselor and wanted to clarify a few important points about your situation that might help with planning. For your children's auxiliary benefits, you'll need to apply separately - it's not automatic when you're approved for SSDI. You'll need birth certificates, Social Security cards, and proof of your relationship to each child. The application can be done online or at your local SSA office. Regarding the 24-month Medicare waiting period - this starts from your SSDI entitlement date (which can be up to 17 months before your application date if you meet the criteria). So you might get Medicare sooner than you think. During the waiting period, you may be able to continue COBRA or look into marketplace plans. One often-overlooked option for your husband is to check if he qualifies for any professional or trade association group health plans through his business type. These sometimes offer better rates than individual marketplace plans and may have different underwriting requirements. Also, when calculating income for your children's CHIP eligibility, some states don't count the auxiliary SSDI benefits as income, which could help you qualify even if your combined household income seems too high on paper. Keep pushing through the application process - MS cases often have strong medical documentation which works in your favor for approval. Make sure your doctors are documenting functional limitations, not just diagnosis and symptoms.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with MS and all the uncertainty around benefits - I can imagine how overwhelming this must feel on top of managing your health condition. One thing I wanted to mention that might help with your immediate concerns: when you do get approved for SSDI, you can actually request expedited processing for your children's auxiliary benefits if you're experiencing financial hardship. Not many people know about this option, but it can speed up the process significantly. Also, regarding healthcare coverage during the Medicare waiting period - some states have "presumptive eligibility" programs that can provide temporary Medicaid coverage for people who are likely to be approved for SSDI but are still waiting. It's worth asking your state Medicaid office about this since MS is typically considered a qualifying condition. For your husband's self-employment situation, he might also want to look into Health Sharing Ministries as an alternative to traditional insurance. They're not perfect and don't cover everything, but they can be much more affordable than marketplace plans and some have decent prescription coverage. The key thing to remember is that you have multiple safety nets available - it's just a matter of finding and accessing them. Each state has different programs and eligibility rules, so definitely connect with a local disability advocate or benefits counselor who knows your state's specific options. You're being smart by planning ahead and asking these questions now rather than waiting until you're approved.

I'm so sorry you're going through this with your MS diagnosis - the combination of health concerns and financial uncertainty is incredibly stressful. As someone who has helped family members navigate similar situations, I wanted to share a few things that might help. First, regarding your children's coverage - while they won't get Medicare, they will likely qualify for auxiliary SSDI benefits (monthly payments) based on your work record once you're approved. These benefits aren't affected by your husband's income since they're based on YOUR earnings history. With three children, you'll hit the family maximum, but each child should still receive a meaningful monthly benefit. For healthcare coverage, definitely look into your state's CHIP program for the kids - the income limits are usually much higher than you'd expect, and some states don't even count SSDI auxiliary benefits as income when determining eligibility. For your husband, since he's self-employed, he might be able to deduct health insurance premiums as a business expense, which could make marketplace plans more affordable. One thing that really helped when my brother went through this was connecting with our state's disability resource center. They had benefits counselors who knew about programs we never would have found on our own, including some state-specific transition assistance programs. Keep documenting everything for your SSDI application - your symptom journal is exactly the right approach. Don't get discouraged if there's an initial denial; it's unfortunately common but many people succeed on appeal with proper documentation. You're asking all the right questions and planning ahead, which puts you in a much better position than many people facing this situation.

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to reach out because your situation sounds incredibly stressful, and I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel to navigate all of this while dealing with MS. From what I've read in the responses, it sounds like your children will likely qualify for auxiliary SSDI benefits once you're approved, which could provide meaningful monthly income for your family. The fact that these benefits are based on your work record rather than your husband's income seems like it could really help in your situation. I don't have personal experience with this process, but I wanted to say that your approach of keeping detailed symptom records and gathering medical documentation sounds really smart. It's clear you're being proactive about preparing your application, which seems to be exactly what's needed. The suggestion about connecting with your state's disability resource center or independent living center keeps coming up in these responses, and it sounds like that could be a great starting point for getting guidance on all the different programs available. Sometimes having someone who knows the system walk you through everything can make such a difference. I hope your SSDI application goes smoothly and that you're able to find good coverage options for your whole family. Thank you for sharing your situation - I'm learning a lot from reading everyone's responses about how these programs work.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some information that might be helpful for your situation. I work in healthcare administration and have seen many families navigate similar challenges with SSDI and family coverage. One thing I'd emphasize is that while the Medicare waiting period can be challenging, there are often bridge options available during that time. Some states have special programs for people who are "Medicare pending" - essentially those who have been approved for SSDI but are still in their 24-month Medicare waiting period. These programs can provide temporary coverage that's much better than COBRA or marketplace plans for chronic conditions like MS. Also, regarding your children's auxiliary benefits - make sure you understand how the family maximum works before you get your hopes up about specific dollar amounts. With three children, the total family benefits (including yours) typically can't exceed 150-180% of your Primary Insurance Amount. So if your SSDI benefit is $2000/month, the maximum total for your entire family might be around $3000-3600, which would then be divided among you and your three children. For your husband's coverage, since he's self-employed, he might want to explore setting up a solo 401(k) or SEP-IRA that could help reduce his taxable income, potentially making your family eligible for larger premium tax credits on marketplace plans. The most important thing is to get connected with a local benefits counselor who can look at your complete financial picture and help you understand all your options. Every state is different, and there are often programs that even healthcare professionals don't know about.

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I'm going through something very similar with my wife's recent disability diagnosis. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational - I had no idea about auxiliary benefits for children or how the Medicare waiting period actually works. One thing that might help while you're waiting for your SSDI decision is to start researching your state's programs now, even before you're approved. We found that some states allow you to submit preliminary applications or get on waiting lists for certain programs while your SSDI is still pending. It can save time once you do get approved. Also, if you haven't already, you might want to reach out to your local MS Society chapter. They often have resources specifically for people dealing with the financial and insurance challenges that come with MS. Our local chapter had a benefits specialist who knew about programs we never would have found on our own. The documentation you're doing with your symptom journal is so important. We were told to also keep track of how your condition affects your daily activities - things like how long it takes you to get dressed, difficulty with household tasks, problems with concentration, etc. The SSA wants to see functional limitations, not just medical symptoms. I hope your application goes smoothly. This community seems like a great resource for navigating all of this - everyone has been so generous with their knowledge and experience.

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really resonates with me. My sister went through a similar experience with a chronic illness a few years ago, and the uncertainty around family benefits and healthcare coverage was one of the most stressful parts of an already difficult situation. From reading all the responses here, it sounds like you're getting excellent advice about the auxiliary benefits for your children and the reality that Medicare only covers you as the disabled individual. One thing I learned from my sister's experience that might help - when she finally connected with a local disability advocate, they helped her discover several state-level programs she never knew existed, including some emergency assistance programs that helped bridge gaps during the waiting periods. Your approach of keeping detailed symptom records and gathering medical documentation is exactly right. My sister also found it helpful to ask her doctors to specifically document how her condition affected her ability to work and perform daily activities, not just the clinical symptoms. The SSA really focuses on functional limitations. I know this whole process feels overwhelming when you're already dealing with health challenges, but you're asking all the right questions and being proactive about planning. The fact that you're thinking ahead about coverage for your whole family shows you're approaching this thoughtfully. This community seems like such a valuable resource - I've learned so much just from reading everyone's responses to your question. I hope your SSDI application goes smoothly and that you find good solutions for your family's coverage needs.

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because I'm currently helping my mom navigate a very similar situation. She was recently diagnosed with a progressive neurological condition and we're in the early stages of applying for SSDI. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about so many of these programs and options. The information about auxiliary benefits for children being based on the disabled parent's work record (not spousal income) is especially valuable since we were worried about income limits affecting eligibility. One thing I learned from our experience so far that might help - our state's 211 helpline (you can dial 2-1-1) was able to connect us with local disability resources we never would have found on our own. They knew about state-specific programs and even helped us understand which applications we could start working on before the SSDI approval comes through. Also, regarding documentation - we started keeping a "bad days" journal where we note not just symptoms but specifically how they prevent normal activities (like "couldn't grip coffee cup," "too fatigued to shower," "brain fog made it impossible to balance checkbook"). Our attorney said this kind of functional impact documentation is often more compelling than just medical records. Your proactive approach to researching options and asking questions is exactly right. Even though the system seems complicated, it sounds like there are more safety nets available than most people realize - you just have to know where to look. This community has been such a great resource for learning about all the possibilities. I hope your SSDI application goes smoothly and that you find good coverage solutions for your whole family!

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your post really resonates with me. I'm currently going through the SSDI application process myself for a different chronic condition, and the uncertainty around family coverage has been keeping me up at night. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational - I had no idea about auxiliary benefits for children or how the Medicare waiting period actually works. The clarification that your children's benefits would be based on YOUR work record rather than your husband's income is such important information that I don't think is widely understood. One thing that struck me from everyone's advice is how crucial it seems to be to connect with local resources. The suggestions about disability resource centers, independent living centers, and even calling 211 for local program information seem like they could uncover options that aren't obvious from federal websites alone. Your approach of keeping detailed symptom records is really smart. From what I'm learning here, the functional limitations documentation seems to be just as important as the medical records themselves. The SSA wants to see how your condition actually impacts your ability to work and perform daily activities. I know this whole process feels overwhelming when you're already dealing with health challenges, but you're clearly being proactive about planning ahead for your family. The fact that you're researching options now and asking the right questions puts you in a much better position than many people who wait until after approval to figure out next steps. This community has been such a valuable resource - I've learned more from reading everyone's responses here than from hours of searching government websites. I hope your SSDI application goes smoothly and that you find good solutions for your family's healthcare and financial needs!