I purchased Maximize My SS and have tried various What If scenarios because we have a disabled adult child. The software shows that I (spouse) get a child-in-care spousal benefit. I'm confused about how that works. The SSA says this benefit stops unless I am old enough to receive benefits based on age. Page 62 of your book (Get What's Yours) says I can receive this benefit at any age. What is the rule? And could you supply the SSA link? Thanks.

Hi,

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, but there is no age requirement or limit to qualify for child in care spousal benefits. I should also explain that I answer the questions submitted to this forum, but I do not have access to the records of our software customers. Any questions regarding our software or your results should be submitted using an online contact form in the help menu.

That said, this is the reference from Social Security's operations manual (POMS) that describes the basic eligibility requirements for spousal benefits: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300202001. Note that the last bullet in section C describes child in care requirements.

The following 2 POMS references describe the specific eligibility requirements for child in care spousal benefits when you have a disabled child age 16 or older in your care: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310035 & https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0301310040.

Best, Jerry