When and if a person is disabled, either physically or mentally, he or she may be eligible to pursue Social Security disability benefits. These benefits are available to people who have contributed to Social Security during the course of their employment but are no longer able to work. This support allows a person to collect regular payments that are intended to cover basic living expenses and medical care costs.
But there are many other people who can be affected by the increased financial responsibilities coupled with a loss of that person’s income when he or she is disabled. Family members of a person unable to work should know that they may be eligible to collect disability payments as well.
For example, let’s consider a family of two parents and a child. If the mother works and has contributed to Social Security but becomes disabled, she could be eligible to collect SSDI. However, because she contributes financially to the family, her husband and child will likely suffer as a result of her not working. This is why it can be possible for them to each collect disability benefits as well.
The Social Security Administration handles requests for family benefits, and there are guidelines on who is eligible to receive them and limits to how much each person can receive. Readers can find more details on these guidelines for family benefits by visiting our website.
The process of applying for family benefits is similar to the process of applying for individual benefits in that they can both be complicated and frustrating. Whether you are a disabled worker or the spouse, child or caretaker of a disabled worker, speaking with an attorney about your options to pursue benefits could be a good idea.
