1. Who Can Qualify for SSDI Family Benefits in Kansas

In Kansas, the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows several types of family members to receive SSDI benefits based on the disabled worker’s record:

• Spouse: A husband or wife age 62 or older may qualify. A spouse of any age may also qualify if they’re caring for the disabled worker’s child who is under 16 or disabled.
• Children: Unmarried children under age 18, or up to age 19 if still attending high school full-time. This includes biological, adopted, and sometimes stepchildren.
• Adult Children with Disabilities: If the disability began before age 22, they may receive benefits as a “disabled adult child.”
• Divorced Spouses: A divorced spouse may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, they are currently unmarried, and meet age or caregiving requirements.

2. How Much Can Family Members Receive

In most cases, eligible family members can receive up to 50% of the disabled worker’s SSDI benefit amount. However, there is a maximum family benefit limit—usually between 150% and 180% of the worker’s monthly SSDI amount—so the SSA will adjust payments if the total exceeds that cap.

3. How to Apply for Family Benefits in Kansas

To apply, family members will need to provide:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers).
• Social Security numbers and birth certificates.
• Any relevant medical or school records for children.

Applications can be filed online (in some cases), by phone, or at your local Kansas Social Security office.

4. Important Considerations

• Family benefits do not reduce the disabled worker’s own SSDI payment.
• If the disabled worker’s benefits stop, family benefits generally stop as well—unless the child qualifies on their own record.
• Working while receiving benefits may affect eligibility, especially for spouses under full retirement age.

5. Common Reasons Family Benefits Are Denied

• The worker is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) only (SSI does not pay family benefits).
• The family member does not meet relationship or age requirements.
• Necessary documentation is missing or incomplete.