At Ghitterman, Ghitterman & Feld, our Santa Barbara Social Security disability attorneys explain to each eligible client why pursuing auxiliary benefits matters to their claims.
Since 1956, we have prided ourselves on our reputation for obtaining the best results for disabled California residents, including those pursuing access to auxiliary benefits for their family members.
Here, we discuss why access to auxiliary benefits matters to our clients.
Why is Access to Auxiliary Benefits Important for SSDI Recipients?
Auxiliary benefits are usually worth about half of the disabled worker’s disability benefits and may be paid to spouses, children, adopted children, step-children, and grandchildren.
Auxiliary benefits are funded by the taxes paid by the disabled worker while working and are essential for several reasons, including:
- Financial Support for Dependents
Auxiliary benefits help provide financial support to dependents, including spouses and children, who rely on the Social Security recipient’s income. This can be particularly crucial if the primary beneficiary becomes disabled, retires, or dies.
- Maintaining Standard of Living
Social Security auxiliary benefits contribute to maintaining the standard of living for the entire family. The additional income helps cover basic living expenses, such as housing, utilities, food, and other necessities.
- Educational Support
Social Security auxiliary benefits can be used to support the education of dependent children. This includes covering educational expenses such as school supplies, tuition, and other related costs, helping to ensure that the children have access to educational opportunities.
- Medical Coverage
Dependents of Social Security beneficiaries may also be eligible for Medicare coverage. This is especially important for spouses who may not have reached the age of eligibility for Medicare based on their work history.
- Disability Support
If the primary Social Security beneficiary becomes disabled, dependent spouses and children may be eligible for auxiliary benefits, providing financial assistance during a challenging period when the primary earner cannot work.
- Reducing Economic Hardship
Social Security auxiliary benefits play a crucial role in reducing economic hardship for families facing life events such as retirement, disability, or the death of a breadwinner. This support helps mitigate financial stress and provides a safety net for the family.
- Promoting Family Stability
Financial stability contributes to overall family well-being and stability. Auxiliary benefits help families maintain a reasonable quality of life, promoting security and stability for dependent spouses and children.
- Survivor Benefits
In the case of the death of a Social Security recipient, surviving spouses, and dependent children may be eligible for survivor benefits. These benefits can help the family cope with the financial challenges that may arise after losing the primary earner.
Our skilled Social Security disability attorneys in California help individuals and families navigate the system's complexities to help ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
We have six physical offices in Bakersfield, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Ventura, and Visalia, and our top-tier technologies provide a virtual reach to serve clients throughout California. We offer free in-person, telephone, and virtual consultations to offer straightforward legal advice for your unique needs.
Contact us today to learn how we can help.