Social Security Benefits for Your Family

When you start receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, other family members also may be eligible for payments. For example, benefits can be paid to your husband or wife:

• If he or she is age 62 or older; or
• At any age if he or she is caring for your child (the child must be younger than 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits on your record). 

Benefits also can be paid to your unmarried children if they are:

• Younger than 18;
• Between 18 and 19 years old, but in elementary or secondary school as full-time students; or
• Age 18 or older and severely disabled (the disability must have started before age 22).

How much can family members get?

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit that is up to half of your retirement or disability benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the total amount of money that can be paid to your family. The limit varies, but is generally equal to about 150 to 180 percent of your retirement benefit.

If you are divorced

If you are divorced, your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your earnings. In some situations, he or she may get benefits even if you are not receiving them. To qualify, a divorced spouse must:

• Have been married to you for at least 10 years;
• Have been divorced at least two years;
• Be at least 62 years old;
• Be unmarried; and
• Not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit based on his or her own work or someone else’s work.