If you paid into the SS system and become disabled then you can get SSD (Social Security Disability) and your children can get a benefit check too. It’s hard to get SSD and most are turned down the first time. It takes months and sometimes over a year to have an appeal heard. If the benefit is approved then they can get a lump sum amount in addition to their monthly benefit check. If a person never paid into the system (i.e. never worked) they can apply for SSI (Social Security Insurance). The benefit is about $670 per month and the children of the beneficiary are not entitled to receive a check. SSI is handed out like Mardi Gras beads. Just my observation in my line of work.
OK - it’s SSI that most of the people I refer to are on.