How does SSDI affect family members and dependents in South Carolina?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/15/2025
How does SSDI affect family members and dependents in South Carolina? In South Carolina, SSDI benefits can extend beyond the disabled individual to provide financial support for their family members and dependents. When someone qualifies for SSDI, certain dependents like spouses and children may be eligible to receive auxiliary benefits alongside the primary payment. This helps families maintain essential resources when a wage earner can no longer work due to disability. The amount family members receive depends on the disabled worker’s SSDI benefit and their relationship to the beneficiary.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
Eligibility of Family Members
In South Carolina, family members such as:
- Spouses age 62 or older or caring for the disabled beneficiary’s child under 16 years.
- Dependent children under 18, or up to 19 if attending school full-time.
- Disabled adult children can sometimes qualify if disability started before age 22.
Calculation of Benefits
Family members usually receive:
- A percentage of the disabled worker’s SSDI amount, capped to avoid exceeding a limit.
- Benefits do not reduce the primary beneficiary’s amount but are subject to family maximum limits.
Impact on Household Financial Security
SSDI can:
- Provide ongoing monthly support that helps cover living expenses for dependents.
- Reduce financial stress by replacing lost income when the disabled worker cannot earn.
- Help maintain stability for children’s education and healthcare needs.
Restrictions and Considerations
Be aware that:
- Benefits for spouses and children may stop under certain conditions like remarriage or aging out.
- Some income or work restrictions may apply to family members receiving benefits.
Additional South Carolina Support
Besides SSDI:
- Other state programs can supplement federal benefits for disabled individuals and dependents.
- Healthcare assistance through Medicaid is often available alongside SSDI payments.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help South Carolina families understand how SSDI benefits impact dependents by:
- Explaining eligibility rules for spouses and children to ensure your family receives all entitled benefits.
- Assisting with documentation to maximize auxiliary benefits available to your family members.
- Guiding you through complex SSA regulations affecting how benefits are calculated and possibly limited.
- Providing representation to appeal decisions or resolve issues related to your family’s SSDI claims.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you have questions about how SSDI affects family members and dependents in South Carolina, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will help you navigate the rules, optimize benefits for your loved ones, and handle any challenges with confidence.
Further Reading
Updated February 10, 2025
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you