Planning Social Security Benefits for a Terminal Illness with Special Needs Children

Client is roughly 40 and has a (likely terminal) cancer diagnosis. They are planning to work for another couple of years and then go on disability (private). She wants me to run a plan where she anticipates passing away in the next 5-7 years. She is married (husband doesn’t work currently and used to be a chef), and they have 2 kids with special needs.

If your client files for Social Security disability benefits or passes away, benefits will be payable to their children if they are under age 18 or if they became disabled before age 22. However, as long as she continues working, she will not be eligible to file for her own disability benefits.

In the event of her passing or when she begins receiving disability benefits, the children will become eligible for benefits. Additionally, if the children are under age 16 or were disabled before age 22, their father can draw a child-in-care benefit. However, this benefit for the father can only begin once she either receives disability benefits or passes away.

Planning ahead with this knowledge will help ensure that her family's financial needs are supported through the Social Security system during this difficult time.

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