Florida residents who qualify for social security benefits might also be able to collect benefits for eligible family members. This does not mean that, were you to become disabled, you would be entitled to a large amount of money from the social security office. Rather, it would be a way a way to lessen the burden placed on your family if one or more members were to qualify for disability.
Your eligible family members might include:
- Your spouse
- Your children, whether biological, by marriage or adopted
- Dependent grandchildren
- Your unmarried former spouse
The extent to which each of these individuals might benefit from your social security payments is limited— or, in the case of some children, enabled— by their own disability status. It also would depend on their age: Your spouse would have to be over 62 years old and your children under 18 to collect benefits, with some exceptions.
The family total would be the final limiting factor on the total amount of disability benefits you would be able to receive should you become disabled. This is perhaps the most important figure, as it limits the amount of resources you might have to satisfy spousal support agreements, care for children or satisfy other obligations. The Social Security Administration estimates the maximum total family social security disability benefit in the range of 150 to 180 percent of your personal benefit, but your exact figure would be based on your unique circumstances.
You have likely paid into the Social Security system if you have worked in the United States, so it makes sense to take full advantage of its protections should you become injured. Of course, each situation is different, so this should not be understood as specific legal advice. It is only an educational discussion of the topic.