Social Security family benefits: Who could get payments and how spouses and children can apply

The Social Security Administration sends out monthly payments to over 71.6 million Americans. The majority go to people who have contributed to the program through their earnings over the course of their working life, but around 9.5 million receive benefits based on a family member’s eligibility.

Known as “Family benefits” but commonly called “spousal” or “child” benefits, are paid to spouses, ex-spouses and children. The amount they can receive can range from up to 50% all the way to 100% of what their family member is entitled to, depending on different factors.

Who qualifies for Social Security family benefit?

The SSA states that spouses who have been married for at least one year and are age 62 and older, or caring for a child 15 and younger, or caring for a child of any age who has a disability may be eligible for Family benefits. Ex-spouses may also be eligible to claim Social Security benefits on the former spouse’s record if they “were married for at least 10 years, as well as some valid non-marital legal relationships, may be eligible.”

Unmarried children who are age 17 and younger, or ages 18 to 19 and in school (K-12) full time, or of any age if they developed a disability at age 21 or younger may also be eligible. “Under certain circumstances, we can also pay benefits to married children, stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren, and stepgrandchildren,” says the SSA.

They may also be eligible to get Medicare if they are 65 or older, or have end-stage renal disease.

How much in Social Security are family members entitled to?

Children, spouses and ex-spouses may be eligible to receive up to 50% of the Primary Insurance Amount of their family member while the beneficiary is alive.

For spouses and ex-spouses, the percentage they are eligible for is affected by the age at which they claim benefits, dropping down to roughly 32.5% if they start at age 62. They are eligible for the maximum amount they can receive when they reach full retirement age.

If the Social Security beneficiary is deceased, spouses and ex-spouses may be eligible for up to 100% of the family members PIA, while each child may be eligible for up to 75% of a deceased parent’s Social Security survivor benefit.

The SSA sets a limit on how much a family can get. If payments to a beneficiary, their spouse, and children exceed the “family maximum,” payments to the family members will be lowered to keep payments below that limit. Note, that benefit payments to an ex-spouse do not count toward the family maximum.

Also, family members receiving benefits based on a spouse’s, parent’s or grandparent’s record must report certain changes to ensure that they are receiving the correct amount to avoid any overpayment, which would have to be repaid to the SSA.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.