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When you qualify for disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance, it’s important to note that members of your family, including biological, adopted, or stepchildren, may also qualify. Even a grandchild who is dependent upon you for support could potentially qualify for family benefits through SSDI.

What happens to your SSDI benefits when your child reaches 18 depends on a number of factors. National Disability Experts believe that your disability benefits are important to you and your family, so they put together an explanation of what you should expect when your child turns 18. What you learn may surprise and enlighten you.

Family Benefits Through SSDI

When you become eligible for SSDI benefits, the following members of your family also qualify for benefits based on your work history:

Your spouse.

A divorced spouse.

Biological children, stepchildren, and adopted children.

Adult children who became disabled prior to age 22.

Grandchildren who are dependent on you for their support.

Eligible family members may receive a monthly benefit equal to as much as 50% of your SSDI benefits. The total benefit payable to you and eligible members of your family cannot exceed 150 to 180% of your monthly SSDI benefits.

If you’ve never heard of Title 2 and Title 16 disability, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of these programs, at least when you see them as Title 2 and Title 16 or as Title II and Title XVI. However, understanding what they are and the difference between Title 2 and Title 16 is essential when you are disabled and unable to work.

Title II and Title XVI are two disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration. Title 2 of the Social Security Act is the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Title 16 is the Supplemental Security Income program. Chances are that you’ve heard about them as SSDI and SSI.

This blog explains all you need to know about the SSDI and SSI programs, including what it takes to be eligible for each and the disability benefits they pay. As you read through the information, help is available from National Disability Experts with answers to questions about the programs, including whether you qualify for benefits through either or both of them.

Title 2 Disability: Social Security Disability Insurance

You must be “insured” to receive benefits through Title 2 of the Social Security Act. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must be disabled. The “insured” requirement is met by contributing to the Social Security trust fund by working and paying Social Security taxes on your earnings.

Eligibility for Title 2 Disability requires that you worked long enough and recently enough at jobs subject to payment of Social Security taxes. You earn work credits based on your monthly earnings. One work credit is earned in 2024 for each $1,730 you earn in wages, with a maximum of four work credits per year.

You typically need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the 10 years immediately before your disability began, to qualify for benefits. However, it’s possible to qualify for SSDI with fewer work credits depending on your age at the onset of your disability.

The amount you receive from Title 2 Disability is determined by your earnings during your work history. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit in 2024 is $3,822, but the average SSDI recipient receives $1,537. There is a five-month waiting period from the onset of the disability before monthly benefit payments begin.