Social Security - Disability Benefits
You may be eligible for Social Security benefits if you cannot work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Two earning tests must be met to qualify for disability benefits. A recent work test, which is based on age at the time the disability occurred, and a duration of work test, which requires that the potential claimant worked long enough under Social Security to be eligible for disability benefits. See https://www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf for details.
Certain family members of the approved disabled person can also receive Social Security benefits, including a spouse age 62 or older, a spouse of any age caring for the claimant's child under the age of 16, or an adult child who is permanently disabled. If you are divorced spouse, your ex-spouse may be able to collect benefits as long as your marriage lasts at least ten years and your ex-spouse is at least 62 years old and single.
If you receive disability benefits and have a dependent child under age 18 (or under age 19 if still in high school) or a disabled adult child, the child may also be eligible to collect dependent benefits on your earnings record. However, family maximum benefit rules may apply (150% to 180% of the worker's primary insurance amount). Social Security disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at full retirement age, but the monthly amount remains the same.
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