When you start receiving disability benefits , certain members of your family may also qualify for benefits on your record. Benefits may be paid to your : spouse; divorced spouse ; children; disabled child ; and adult child disabled before age 22. If any of your qualified family members apply for benefits , we will ask for their Social Security numbers and their birth certificates. If your spouse is applying for benefits , we may also ask for proof of marriage and dates of prior marriages, if applicable. 

Maximum Family Amount 
Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of your disability benefit amount. However , there is a limit to the amount we can pay your family. The total depends on your benefit amount and the number of family members who also qualify on your record. The total varies , but generally the total amount you and your family can receive is between 150 and 180 percent of your disability benefit. If the sum of the benefits payable on your account is greater than the family limit , the benefits to the family members will be reduced proportionately. Your benefit will not be affected. 

Benefits For Your Spouse 
When benefits are payable to your spouse : Age 62 or older , unless he or she collects a higher Social Security benefit based on his or her earnings record. The spouse benefit amount will be permanently reduced by a percentage based on the number of months until his or her full retirement age. At any age if he or she is caring for your child under age 16 or disabled. Your spouse would receive these benefits until the child reaches age 16. At that time, the child's benefits continue , but your spouse's benefits stop unless he or she is old enough to receive retirement benefits age 62 or older or survivor benefits as a widow or widower age 60. 

If Your Spouse Also Worked Under Social Security 
If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits on his or her own record , we will always pay that amount first. But i

user: What is the maximum amount my family will receive?

assistant: Each family member may be eligible for up to 50 percent of your disability amount.

user: What happens if the sum of the benefits payable on my account is greater than the family limit?

assistant: Your benefits will not be decreased, but your family members will be reduced equally.

user: What happens if my spouse worked under social security?

assistant: Is your spouse eligible for retirement benefits on his or her own record?

user: No my spouse is not eligible for retirement benefits on their own record.

user: When I qualify for Social Security disability benefits will be children also?

assistant: Yes, your children may qualify to receive benefits on your record if they are biological, adopted, or stepchild and maybe your grandchild.

user: If eligible on own record then we will pay that amount first only if it is a higher amount than what your benefit would be.

assistant: Yes that is correct that we would pay what equals the higher amount to your spouse.

user: What will happen with my benefits if I am divorced?

assistant: Your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your record.

user: How will the sum of benefits be for my family?

assistant: Your family will receive benefits that are reduced; but your benefits will not be affected.