YOUR KIDS CAN GET SSDI BENEFITS, TOO!

When you become eligible for Social Security disability benefits your dependent children become eligible, too. Your children may receive benefits up to age 18 (or to age 19 if they are still in school). Typically, children's benefits are fifty percent of the parent's benefit. However, there are family maximums. But your dependent children's benefits amount to a substantial amount of money.

Dependent's benefits are to support the child with essentials of leading a healthy life. The parent may use the money in the best interest of the child.

Getting dependent's is pretty simple once the parent has been approved. Just be sure to list your dependent children on your initial application and on all forms where children's names and Social Security numbers are asked for. Dependent children can also get past due benefits, usually going back to the date the parent became disabled.

So, if a parent receives $2,400 per month in SSDI benefits, a dependent child may receive $1,200 per month. This is in addition to the parent's primary benefit. So $2,400 turns in $3600.

Of course, the struggle is to get the parent approved. This will usually require a series of appeals and probably a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Consider getting legal representation before going to the judge. It won't cost you anything unless you win. If you are approved, your representative's fees will be limited by the Social Security Administration. You will keep 100 percent of your monthly benefits, and your children will keep 100 percent of their monthly benefits. The attorney/representative is paid using a small portion of back pay with strict maximums set by Social Security.