Social Security Benefits for a Disabled Child: Choosing the Right Parent's Record

The husband is FRA but plans to continue working as an orthodontist and is eligible for the max benefit based on his income. He has a 20-year-old disabled child with Down Syndrome. His spouse has been talking with the Social Security Administration and was told the child is eligible for $680 month.  His wife works in the business and is eligible to receive $1,700 on her own work record.  Husband born June 2, 1957, and wife was born July 13, 1959.  The couple is looking for clarity on whether to take benefits for their child on the husband or wife’s record, and what lasting ramifications they need to consider for their own benefit.

In this scenario, the disabled child is currently eligible for $680 per month, but this amount could potentially increase if the father, who is at Full Retirement Age (FRA), files for his Social Security benefits. The child’s benefit would be based on 50% of the father's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) once he files, which is typically higher than the benefit derived from the mother’s record.

The wife, who is eligible for $1,700 on her own work record, might also receive a spousal boost once the husband files for his benefits. However, both the child’s and the wife’s benefits will be subject to the family maximum limit, which caps the total benefits payable to a family based on a single worker's record.

If the husband delays filing until age 70, his personal benefit will increase due to the accumulation of Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs). However, this delay will not increase the amount the child or the wife can receive from his record. Therefore, it might be more beneficial to file sooner to maximize the child’s and potentially the wife’s benefits without delaying the additional income.

To get an accurate estimate of the benefits for the child and the spouse, it is important to know both the husband's and the wife’s PIA. The child is generally eligible for a benefit equal to 50% of the parent’s PIA.