Conflicting info about Social Security Child-in-Care benefits for spouse vs. child benefit - which is correct?

There's definitely confusion here between child benefits and child-in-care benefits. Your CHILD is receiving a child's benefit (up to 50% of your PIA while you're alive). The child-in-care benefit is something different - it's for a SPOUSE who is caring for your child under 16. Your financial advisor is correct. If you marry your child's mother and then pass away while your child is under 16, your wife would be eligible for mother's/father's benefits (what we often call child-in-care benefits) immediately - no need to wait until 60. This is different from regular widow(er) benefits. I went through this exact situation last year. The SSA rep you spoke with is confusing two different benefits. I recommend calling back and specifically asking about "mother's benefits" or "father's benefits" as they're officially called.

I've worked with Social Security for 30+ years, and unfortunately, you received incorrect information from the SSA agent. Here are the FACTS: 1. Your minor child currently receives a child's benefit based on your record (up to 50% of your PIA while you're living). 2. There is NO spouse benefit called "child-in-care benefit" while you are ALIVE - the agent was correct about that part. 3. However, after you pass away, if your child is under 16, your spouse CAN receive mother's/father's benefits immediately (this is what's called child-in-care survivor benefits), regardless of her age. 4. These mother's benefits would be IN ADDITION to your child's survivor benefits (which increase to 75% of your PIA after death). The confusion is because many people use "child-in-care benefits" to refer to both the child's benefit and the caring parent's benefit. Your financial advisor is correct about the post-death scenario.

OMG this is why I HATE dealing with SS!!!! The agents tell u different things every time u call!! I had same issue with my kids benefits and had to call SIX TIMES before getting right answer. each time they said something different!!! So frustrating!!!!!

Just to add a quick point - the benefit your financial advisor is talking about is officially called "Mother's or Father's Benefits" in the SSA handbook. The term "child-in-care benefits" is informal language that causes confusion. That might be why the agent didn't understand what you were asking about.

Wow im dealing with this exact same situation but reverse (im the younger spouse with our child). From what ive researched if your spouse is caring for a child under 16 and you die, they can get survivors benefits at ANY age. Its confusing because theres child benefits while youre alive AND theres mother/father benefits after death. Different things! Btw getting correct info from SSA is like pulling teeth. I had to call 8 times over 3 weeks and was disconnected or transferred to nowhere almost every time. Finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person in 20 mins (claimyr.com). They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Worth it to not waste days on hold!

I think the confusion is based on when benefits are paid. From my understanding: - While you're alive: Your child gets benefits, but your wife wouldn't (unless she's old enough for regular spousal benefits) - After death: Both your child AND your wife would get survivor benefits if child is under 16 The SSA agent was probably only thinking about current benefits, not survivor scenarios.

my uncle had this same exact problem!!! the ssa people told him 3 different things. its because they dont train them good enough. he finally got it fixed when he talked to a supervisor who actually knew the rules. ask for a supervisor!!!

Thank you everyone for your responses! I'm going to call SSA back tomorrow and specifically ask about "Mother's Benefits" for survivor situations. I'll also request to speak with a supervisor or technical expert as suggested. I feel much better knowing my financial advisor wasn't leading me astray - seems like he was right about the survivor benefits for my child's mother if we marry. I'll update once I get more clarification.

I forgot to mention - make sure you get any information in WRITING from SSA. They have a process where they can send you an official Benefits Statement that outlines what everyone is eligible for. That way you have documentation in case there's confusion later.