Confused about DAC vs SSI rules for my disabled daughter - which benefit requirements apply?

You have to follow BOTH sets of rules since she receives both benefits. For the SSI portion, all SSI rules apply - $2,000 resource limit, reporting all income, living arrangement questions, etc. For the DAC benefit (sometimes called CDB - Childhood Disability Benefit), different rules apply, but they're generally less restrictive than SSI. Your work income won't affect her DAC benefits at all. Those are based on your ex's record, not yours. For SSI, your income might be deemed to her only if you live together AND if she's under 18, which she isn't. So your work shouldn't affect either benefit. When you eventually file for your own retirement, the SSA will check if she would get a higher benefit on your record compared to her father's. If your benefit would result in a higher DAC payment, they'll switch her to your record.

my daughter is in the same boat gets both cdb and ssi. yes you have to follow all the ssi rules even for that small amount!!!! it's ridiculous but thats how it is. if she goes over $2000 in her account they'll stop the ssi but not the dac. we just keep her account at like $1800 max to be safe.

Here's the most important thing to understand: you're dealing with two completely separate programs that have different rules. For the DAC benefit (which is a Title II benefit based on your ex's work record): - No resource/asset limits - Her own work can affect it if she engages in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - currently $1,470/month for non-blind individuals - Your work doesn't affect her DAC benefit at all - When you file for your own retirement, they'll check if she could get a higher DAC benefit on your record For the SSI (which is a Title XVI needs-based benefit): - Strict $2,000 resource limit - All income must be reported monthly - Living arrangement affects the benefit amount - Even small changes can affect payment amounts You must follow both sets of rules. If she violates the SSI rules, she'll lose the SSI portion but keep the DAC. If she violates the DAC rules (by working above SGA level for example), she could lose the larger benefit.

im in a similar situation with my son who gets both benefits. its SUPER frustrating dealing with SSA because half the time the rep doesnt understand dual benefits!!! weve been overpaid twice because they didnt process his income reports correctly.

Actually you can have her SSI terminated if you want to avoid all those strict SSI rules! The process is called voluntary termination. Because the SSI amount is so small compared to her DAC benefit, many families decide the extra $106 isn't worth the reporting burden and asset restrictions. But think carefully - depending on your state, SSI might automatically qualify her for Medicaid which could be worth more than the cash benefit itself.

Check if your state has an ABLE account program! This lets disabled people save money ABOVE the $2,000 SSI limit. My daughter has one and can save up to $100,000 without affecting her SSI eligibility. It's been life-changing for her independence.

can someone explain this to me - if the mom files for SS early at like 62 would that lower what the daughter gets if they switched her to moms record later? im confused about how this all works with the disability benefits and family maximum!!!!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! From what I understand: 1. We need to follow BOTH sets of rules since she receives both benefits 2. The SSI rules are stricter with the $2,000 asset limit and income reporting 3. My work income won't affect her benefits 4. When I file for retirement, they'll check if she'd get more on my record 5. ABLE accounts might be a solution for saving beyond the $2,000 limit I'm going to look into the ABLE account option right away and also consider whether keeping that small SSI payment is worth the restrictions. The Medicaid connection is important though, so I'll need to check with our state about that before making any decisions. This community is amazing - thank you for helping me understand this complicated situation!