Social Security does not only pay retirees. Millions of families with children receive benefits because a parent is retired, has a disability or has died. In 2027, the 3.6% COLA confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) will push the average amounts of these households above $3,000 a month.
Average family amounts in 2027
- Widowed mother or father with two children | from $3,932 to $4,074 a month.
- Disabled worker with spouse and one or more children | from $2,970 to $3,077 a month.
- Aged couple, both receiving benefits | from $3,238 to $3,355 a month.
Requirements for children
A child can receive benefits based on a parent’s record if the parent is retired, disabled or deceased, and if the child meets these conditions:
- Age | under 18, or up to 19 if still a full-time student in elementary or high school.
- Disabled adult child | 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22.
- Marital status | the child must be unmarried.
A child can receive up to 50% of the parent’s full benefit if the parent is alive, and up to 75% if the parent has died.
The family maximum
There is a limit to what a family can receive based on a single worker. The family maximum is generally between 150% and 180% of the worker’s full benefit. For disability benefits the limit is lower. When the sum of the family’s benefits exceeds the limit, each member’s benefit is reduced proportionally, while the worker’s own check is not touched.
This is why large families do not always receive more: once the maximum is reached, adding another child only redistributes the money.
When the increase arrives
The new amounts apply from January 2027. Benefits are deposited on the Wednesday that corresponds to the worker’s birthday. Widows and widowers can check the specific rules in our article about survivor benefits in 2027, and disabled workers in our report on SSDI amounts for 2027.
Families whose children have a disability and very low income may also qualify for SSI, under the rules we explained in our guide to SSI for children.
