Family Benefits

Social Security Family benefits provide monthly payments to spouses, ex-spouses, children, and some grandchildren of individuals eligible for Retirement or Disability benefits. These payments can be up to half of the family member’s benefit amount, and recipients may also qualify for Medicare based on their loved one’s work history. To ensure accurate payments, report changes such as marriage, school enrollment, or income updates promptly.

Love Always

Published 2026 1 min read

Family benefits provide monthly payments to certain family members of people who are eligible for Retirement or Disability.

Family benefits are also commonly called “spousal” or “child” benefits.

Who can get Family benefits

Spouses, ex-spouses, children, and some grandchildren may be eligible for Family benefits. We consider age, marital status, and other factors when we determine eligibility.

See if you’re eligible for Family benefits

What you could get

You could get up to half of your family member’s benefit amount and may be eligible for Medicare based on their work history. 

Find out what you could get

What you need to report

To make sure you get the right payments, tell us about updates, like marriage, school, and income changes.

Learn what to report

For further exploration, Family benefits | SSA

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