Ask the expert: Disabled children and Social Security benefits

Our son, now 24 years old, was in an accident that left him disabled two months before his 22nd birthday. My husband is almost 62, and we know the longer he waits to file for Social Security, the higher his benefit. But what’s most important to us is our son’s benefit based on his father’s work record. We were told if my husband waits to collect, our son’s benefit will also be greater. What percentage of my husband’s benefit will my son receive? What happens to that benefit after my husband dies? Can my son and I both collect under my husband’s record? If my son becomes able to work, will he lose the Social Security benefit?

Taking Social Security at 62 would reduce your husband’s benefit, but not your son’s. Because his disability began before age 22, he qualifies for a benefit as an adult disabled child. That benefit is 50 percent of the amount his father would receive at full retirement age, even if his father starts Social Security earlier. After his father dies, your son will receive 75 percent of his father’s full benefit.

If your husband’s benefit at 66 would be $2,000 a month, and he starts Social Security at 62, he’ll receive 30 percent less — $1,400 a month. But your son will receive $1,000 a month.

The Social Security benefits your family can collect based on your husband’s record are subject to a maximum that ranges between 150 percent and 180 percent of his full benefit. In the above example, the maximum for the three of you would be about $3,525 per month.

How your son’s benefit would be affected by working depends on how much he earns. Social Security allows disabled beneficiaries a trial work period and an extended period of benefits eligibility and reinstatement.

THE BOTTOM LINE Social Security doesn’t reduce disability benefits for early application.

WEBSITES WITH MORE INFORMATION nwsdy.li/disabledchild and nwsdy.li/EarlySocSec