Hi Jerry, Thank you for your column.
My mama died on May 12th, approx six weeks ago. She was 89 and I am 61. I have been her only and full time caretaker for more than 7 yrs.

I have full POA and am the executor of her estate. (even though there is no estate to be executor of)
We lived on SS, she drew SS from my deceased father's benefits and I receive SS disability. I knew that if mama passed away before me that my $943.00 a month disability wasn't going to pay our mortgage and utilities every month and that I would have to do something.

I didn't do anything or make any kind of plan, as I should but I just couldn't stand to think about her dying, it hurt too much. But God called her and now I have to think about it.

I read online that there are SS benefits for the decedent's caretaker if the caretaker was the decedent's child. Do you know if this is true?
If this is true what do I do to receive these benefits?

I very much appreciate your help and Thank You in advance.

Alexandra

Hi Alexandra,

I'm sorry for your loss.

The only way that you could qualify for benefits from your mother's Social Security record is if you're unmarried and if you became disabled prior to age 22. The fact that you were caring for your mother prior to her death is commendable, but it's not relevant for Social Security benefit purposes.

For more information on disabled adult child's benefits, refer to the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html#anchor7.

Best, Jerry