What Are Social Security Dependent Benefits?

Dependents can collect Social Security benefits.

Social Security benefits apply not just to you, but in under certain conditions, can go to your dependents as well. There are two ways in which your dependents may collect benefits through you. One is from survivor benefits; the other is through your disability benefits.

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits can be collected by your qualifying dependents after you die. There are certain rules and conditions that must be met for your dependents to qualify.

Survivor Benefits Qualifying Dependants

Your spouse, children under the age of 18, dependent parents and disabled children over the age of 18 can qualify for survivor benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, under certain circumstances, benefits also can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren or step-grandchildren.

How Survivors Qualify

Spouses must be of retirement age or be caring for your child. Children can receive benefits if they are unmarried and under the age of 18, or they are disabled and the disability occurred before the age of 22. If you were the main financial supporter of your parents, then they might also qualify.

Disability Benefits

You can claim your Social Security disability benefits if you become injured or sick and are unable to work. Under certain conditions, your dependents may also qualify to claim additional benefits.

How Dependants Qualify for Disability Benefits

Spouses over the age of 62, spouses caring for your children that are under the age of 16, and unmarried disabled children can qualify for benefits if you become disabled. Disabled children must have become permanently disabled before the age of 22

References

• SSA: Survivor's Benefits
• SSA: Disability Benefits