Michigan Resident Guide

0 0 3 minutes read

If you are a Michigan resident who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your family may also receive benefits based on your work history. These are called “assisted” or “family” benefits, and they can provide valuable financial support to your loved ones. However, not all family members will automatically qualify. Understanding specific eligibility criteria can help ensure that your family gets the help they deserve.

Who can get family benefits?

The Social Security Agency (SSA) allows certain family members to receive benefits based on your SSDI eligibility. Qualified family members include:

spouse

Your spouse if:

At least 62 years old, or
Any age and care for your child under 16 or with a disability that begins before the age of 22.

It is important to note that if the spouse’s own monthly Social Security benefits are higher than their dependence as your record, you cannot get benefits.

Children

If your unmarried child may be eligible:

Under 18 years old,
Elementary or secondary school (up to 12th grade) or
Disability of 18 years or older begins before age 22.

This includes biological children, adopted children, stepchildren and, in some cases, dependency grandchildren.

Ex-spouse

if:

The marriage lasted for at least 10 years.
They are at least 62 years old.
They are unmarried,
They are not eligible to earn equal or higher gains based on their own or others’ work records.

Click here for more information on former spouse qualifications.

Benefits of Survivors

If a person who dies from SSDI, some family members may be eligible for survivor benefits. These benefits are based on the income records of deceased workers and can provide basic financial support to surviving families.

Qualified survivors may include:

Widows and widows are 60 years old or older (if 50 years old or 50 years old is disabled).
Widows and widows of any age are caring for the deceased under 16 years of age or have qualified disability.
Unmarried children under the age of 18 (19 if still in high school).
Adult children with disabilities start before the age of 22.
Resident parents are 62 years old or older.

How many can family members receive?

Each qualified family member receives up to 50% of your monthly SSDI benefits. The total amount your family can receive is subject to the “family maximum”, usually ranging from 150% to 180% of your monthly SSDI benefits. If the comprehensive interests of you and your family exceed this limit, the SSA will reduce the benefits of each family member proportionally, but your benefits will not be reduced.

How to apply for family benefits

To apply for family benefits, you can contact SSA directly. You need to provide:

Social security number for each family member,
proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate),
age certificate (e.g., birth certificate),
Certificate of disability for adults and children (e.g., medical records).

Collecting all necessary documents before contacting SSA can make the application process smoother and more efficient.

Important things to consider

Qualifications are limited to SSDI: Family benefits are only obtained based on SSDI and not Supplementary Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program where family members cannot receive benefits based on their relatives’ SSI qualifications.
Impact on other benefits: Obtaining SSDI family benefits may affect eligibility for different programs such as Medicaid or SNAP. It is important to understand how these benefits interact with other aid programs.
Continuous Qualifications: The qualifications of family members may change over time. For example, unless the child’s welfare is a full-time student or a disability that begins before the age of 22, the child’s welfare usually ends at the age of 18.

Need help? Talk to us for free

Navigating SSDI Family Benefits can feel overwhelmed, but you don't have to face it alone. If you need guidance in Michigan, a Michigan disability lawyer can help ensure you and your family receive the benefits you are entitled to.