What's the Maximum Family Social Security Benefit?

Family members of someone who collects Social Security may be able to claim their own monthly checks based on that person’s earnings record. But the government limits the benefits that can be paid out to a family on one earnings record. This cap, known as the maximum family Social Security benefit, typically ranges from 150% to 180% of the primary beneficiary’s full retirement benefit. Social Security payments are often a cornerstone of retirement income for families and individuals alike.

If you’re not sure how Social Security fits into your retirement plan, consider sitting down with a financial advisor. SmartAsset’s free tool can connect you with fiduciary advisors today.

What Are Social Security Family Benefits?

Social Security family benefits are based on the earnings of a worker who qualifies for retirement or disability benefits. Once a worker begins collecting benefits, certain family members may qualify for payments on that record. Social Security calculates these benefits as a percentage of the worker’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the monthly benefit they would receive at full retirement age.

Eligible family members typically include a spouse, divorced spouse, children, and, in some cases, dependent parents. A current spouse can receive benefits if they are age 62 or older, or at any age if caring for a qualifying child under 16 or disabled. Children can qualify if they are under 18, still in high school and under 19, or are disabled and under age 22. Divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the spouse meets certain conditions.

What Is the Maximum Family Social Security Benefit?

The maximum family Social Security benefit is a cap on how much a family can collectively receive each month based on one worker’s earnings record. While the worker receives their own full benefit, eligible family members may receive additional payments of up to 50% of the worker’s PIA, which is also known as a full retirement benefit.

However, the total combined payments to the family are subject to a limit, known as the family maximum. The family maximum typically ranges from 150% to 175% of the worker’s PIA. This same range applies to survivor benefits, as well.

The Social Security Administration uses a complex formula to set the precise limit a family can receive. You can get a quick estimate of your family maximum benefit by checking your My Social Security account at SSA.gov. If you don’t have a My Social Security Account, it may be a good idea to open one.

What Is the Maximum Family Benefit for Social Security Disability?

In contrast, the family maximum for disability benefits is generally more restrictive. In most cases, it is capped at about 85% of the worker’s average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), and it cannot be less than the worker’s PIA or more than 150% of it.

How to Calculate the Maximum Family Benefit

To calculate the family maximum for retirement and survivor benefits, Social Security uses bend points, which change each year based on average wage growth. For 2025, the family maximum for retirement and survivor benefits is calculated as follows:

150% of the first $1,636 of the worker’s PIA,
plus 272% of the amount between $1,636 and $2,366,
plus 134% of the amount between $2,366 and $3,078,
plus 175% of any amount above $3,078.

For example, suppose a worker retires at his full retirement age with a benefit of $2,000. His spouse and disabled son each qualify for a $1,000 benefit. Without the family maximum, the total payment would be $4,000 ($2,000 for the worker and $2,000 for dependents). To calculate the family maximum:

150% of the first $1,567 = $2,350.50
272% of the next $433 ($2,000 – $1,567) = $1,177.76

Adding those two figures together, the family’s total maximum family benefit would be $3,528.26 ($2,350.50 + $1,177.76)—approximately 176% of the primary worker’s individual retirement benefit.

While 180% of the primary breadwinner’s full retirement age benefit is the absolute maximum, in practice, the typical maximum family benefit is usually 175% of the primary earner’s benefit. Again, the formula the Social Security Administration uses is quite complex, so in most cases using 175% will produce a reliable estimate.

How Social Security Adjusts Family Benefits

What's the Maximum Family Social Security Benefit?

Social Security adjusts the auxiliary benefits it pays to keep the family benefit below the maximum. The primary earner’s benefits are never reduced due to the family benefit exceeding the maximum allowed. Only auxiliary benefits are reduced.

Social Security distributes the reduction equally among the family members receiving auxiliary benefits. In the above example, the spouse and disabled child would each have their benefits reduced by approximately $236 to keep the family benefit from exceeding the maximum of $3,528.26.

Auxiliary benefit amounts may change over time. For instance, minor dependent children getting auxiliary benefits will stop being eligible, in most cases, after age 18. As that happens, the auxiliary payments going to other family members increase up to the maximum.

Maximum Family Benefit Exceptions

The maximum family benefit applies differently in some situations. For example, an ex-spouse may claim benefits based on a former spouse’s earnings record. These benefits don’t count against the maximum family limit.

A non-working spouse who retires before reaching full retirement age could qualify for a reduced percentage of the primary breadwinner’s benefits. And if a family has two earners who are both eligible for benefits, each spouse can receive 100% of their own benefit, even if this would put the family over the maximum. This is because it only applies to benefits that can be claimed based on one earner’s record.

Another special case is when a minor dependent child is entitled to receive benefits from both retired parents. In such cases, Social Security applies the combined family maximum. The family maximum in this case can be as high as the total of both parents’ calculated family maximum, as long as it doesn’t exceed the combined family maximum.

Bottom Line

Social Security limits how much a single family can receive in total benefits. In most cases, this amount will be equal to between 150% and 180% of the benefit that would be paid to the primary breadwinner upon reaching full retirement age. The maximum family benefit only applies when two or more family members, such as spouses or children, claim auxiliary benefits based on one family member’s earnings record. It’s a good idea to understand these maximum benefit rules incase they apply to you.

Tips for Retirement Planning

Understanding how much you and your family can expect to receive in Social Security benefits is an important part of savvy retirement planning. A financial advisor can help you figure it out. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
SmartAsset has a number of free online retirement resources for you to use if you’re trying to bolster your retirement plans. If you’re not sure where to get started, consider checking out our free retirement calculator.