Social Security - Disability Benefits
If you are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits. To be eligible for disability benefits, two earnings tests must be met: a recent work test, which is based on age at the time the disability occurred, and a duration of work test, which requires that the potential claimant worked long enough under Social Security to be eligible for disability benefits. See https://www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf for details.
Certain family members of the approved disabled person can also receive Social Security benefits, including a spouse age 62 or older, a spouse of any age caring for claimant's child under the age of 16, or an adult child who is permanently disabled. If you are divorced, your ex-spouse may be able to collect benefits as long as your marriage lasted at least ten years and your ex-spouse is at least 62 years old and single.
Also, if you receive disability benefits and you have a dependent child under age 18 (or under age 19 if still in high school) or a disabled adult child, the child may also be eligible to collect dependent benefits on your earnings record. However, family maximum benefit rules may apply (150% to 180% of worker’s primary insurance amount). Social Security disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at full retirement age, but the monthly amount remains the same.
At Carr Wealth Management, LLC, we specialize in identifying the optimal claiming strategy tailored to each client’s needs. Please contact us to schedule a no-charge consultation or if you simply have a question about Social Security Benefits or other financially related planning areas.
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