Family members can also seek Social Security disability

On Behalf of | Nov 18, 2015 | Uncategorized

Many Missourians are concerned about their jobs and careers and how they can move up the corporate ladder. Though planning for one’s future in his or her job is important, the truth of the matter is that a significant number of working individuals will end up disabled before they reach retirement. This means that they will be unable to work to secure a wage, and they may have to turn to Social Security disability for assistances.

Fraught with complexities, the Social Security disability system can be difficult to understand. For example, though many individuals may know that they might qualify for benefits for themselves, few may realize that there are others who may also be paid benefits under the program. A disabled individual’s spouse, ex-spouse, child, disabled child, or his or her disabled child who is an adult but has not reached the age of 22 may also be paid benefits.

In order for these individuals to qualify for benefits, certain documentation must be provided to the Social Security Administration. For example, Social Security numbers and birth certificates must be provided, and so, too, must proof of marriage if a spouse is seeking benefits.

The maximum amount family members can receive under a disabled individual’s benefits varies depending on the specific facts of a claim. Though each family member may be eligible to receive up to 50 percent of a disabled individual’s benefit amount, the government caps the total amount of benefits a family can receive. Typically, this is between 150 to 180 percent of the total benefits awarded to the disabled individual.

Family member who would like to seek disability benefits based on their loved one’s claim may want to seek assistance from an experienced attorney who can help them navigate the system and determine the likelihood of success. If a claim moves forward, then, they can rest assured that their claim is in good hands.

Source: Social Security Administration, “Disability Planner: Family Planner,” accessed on Nov. 15, 2015

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