The dependents of a wage earner receiving SSD may be eligible to receive additional benefits on the same earnings record. The following are included within the class of eligible dependents:

• Children under the age of 18, or under the age of 19 if enrolled as a full-time elementary or high school student

• The wage earner's current spouse or divorced spouse, if 62 years of age or older, or if caring for a child of the wage earner who is under age 16 or disabled

A wage earner's divorced spouse is not considered to be an eligible dependent unless the marriage lasted for at least 10 years.

Each of the wage earner's eligible dependents may be eligible for a monthly benefit that is up to 50% of the wage earner's own disability benefit.  However, there is a limit to the total amount of money that can be paid on a singe earnings record. If the sum of benefits that would otherwise be paid exceeds the family maximum, the benefits of all eligible dependents are proportionately reduced.