Hi,

Does my child get 50% of my FRA PIA benefit amount even though I filed for reduced benefit at 62 or does she get 50% of my reduced benefit 62 amount? My understanding is even though I filed early with reduced benefit at 62 she would still get 50% of my FRA amt (or my PIA). She will be in high school and under age 19 from my age of 62-66.

Thanks
Art

Hi Art,

Yes. The full benefit rate for a child eligible for benefits on the record of a living parent is 50% of the parent's primary insurance amount (PIA). A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

Children can sometimes receive less than their full rate if the family maximum benefit (FMB) is involved, but if your daughter is the only person receiving benefits on your account besides yourself then she should be eligible for a full 50% of your PIA even if you start drawing your Social Security retirement benefits at age 62.

Best, Jerry