Can I Receive Disabled Adult Child Social Security Benefits?
Question:
I am the surviving spouse with two children ages 14 and 24. Husband passed away 7 yrs ago. We are all receiving survivors’ benefits from Social Security. My oldest has a serious mental illness that started when he was 17. His benefits would’ve stopped at 18 but have been changed to a “disabled adult child under 22.” My benefits will stop when my youngest (now 14 years old) turns 16. I haven’t been able to work to care for my oldest. If I’m caring for my oldest that lives with me, am I entitled to continue my survivors benefits as his caregiver?
Response:
Nora Yousif, financial planner with RBC Wealth Management
The following response is provided by Nora Yousif, a financial planner with RBC Wealth Management. She is happy to be a financial planning resource for those with follow-up questions. She can be reached at nora.yousif@rbc.com or at 508.230.8960.
In short, possibly yes, but there will be a gap if you’re under age 60 when your younger child reaches age 16. It’s important first to back up and explain the two types of benefits at play here for you. One is the surviving spousal or widow’s benefit that continues until your youngest turns 16. The blackout period would normally kick in on his birthday and then your surviving spousal benefit would pick up when you reach age 60, at which time your caretaker benefit also could pick up again if you exercise “parental control and responsibility for a mentally disabled child.” I would consult your local Social Security Administration office to review your eligibility. Just be aware your family maximum payment caps out anywhere between 150% to 180% of your husband’s full benefit amount. If you are reaching the max, as it appears you would, family member’s benefits would be proportionately reduced.
Related posts:
Can Mother of Disabled 15-Year-Old Continue to Receive Social Security Caretaker Benefits When He Turns 16?
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This answer is incorrect. Because the surviving spouse is caring for an adult disabled child who developed the disability before age 22, the surviving spouse does NOT need to wait until age 60 to receive survivor benefits. From the SSA website’s survivor benefit page (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html) under “Who receives benefits?”:
“A widow or widower ***at any age*** who is caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 **or has a disability and receiving child’s benefits**.”
The oldest son does indeed have a disability that began before age 22 and is receiving a child’s benefit as a result. The surviving spouse will continue to receive benefits even before she turns 60. She will, however, need to contact the SSA and ensure that they have on record that she is caring for their adult disabled child. Simply having a disabled child is not enough, you have to demonstrate that you are providing certain aspects of his care.