My son has autism and some other neurological issues, he is 19. We are applying for social security disability under his fathers (my husbands) deceased record disabled child under the age of 22. MY husband died in 2014 and Previously my son received benefits till he was 19 and half . My question is if he is found disabled how is this going to effect my widows benefit at age 60 that I am entitled to receive, I am 49? In addition, my son needs constant care I had to leave my job because he cannot be alone, therefore can I apply for a supplement for caregiver under the same record? Thank you for your time

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If your son qualifies for disabled adult child's (DAC) benefits, it may or may not affect the amount of your future widow's benefit depending on the family maximum benefit (FMB) amount that can be paid on your husband's record. The FMB that can be paid on a person's account depends on their earnings history, so I can't tell you whether or not your son's DAC entitlement would affect your benefits without additional information. Social Security should be able to tell you whether or not the FMB amount on your husband's record would cause your future widow's rate to be reduced if your son is drawing DAC benefits at that time.

If your son lives with you or if you are exercising parental control and responsibility for his welfare, and if your son is approved for DAC benefits based on a mental impairment or based on a physical impairment that requires you to perform personal services for him, then it sounds like you may be able to qualify for Social Security mother's benefits regardless of your present age (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0415.html). If you haven't already done so, you may want to contact Social Security to file an application for mother's benefits so that you won't lose out on any benefits if your son's claim is approved.

Best, Jerry