Social Security confusion: Will my CIC survivors benefits stop when my disabled daughter turns 16?

The representative gave you partially incorrect information. If your daughter has a documented disability, you CAN continue receiving your Child-in-Care benefits past her 16th birthday. The age limit of 16 only applies to non-disabled children. From the SSA's own policy (Section 404.350 and 404.351), a parent caring for a disabled child can receive benefits regardless of the child's age, as long as the child's disability began before age 22 and the child is entitled to child's benefits on the deceased parent's record. You should call back and speak with a different representative or ask to speak with a supervisor. Bring up these policy sections specifically and request they review your case again. SSA reps sometimes give incorrect information, especially about less common situations like disabled children's benefits.

the same thing happnd to me last yr!! I got told 3 different things by 3 different ppl at SSA about my disabled son. One said benefits would stop at 16, one said 18, another said they continue. you have to keep calling until you get someone who KNOWS the rules for real. so frustrating!!!!!

I've been through this exact scenario with my disabled daughter who's now 20. Here's what you need to know: 1. YES, you CAN continue to receive Child-in-Care benefits after your child turns 16 IF they meet SSA's definition of disability. The key is getting them to acknowledge and document the disability. 2. At 18, there will be another evaluation when they transition from child disability to adult disability standards (DAC - Disabled Adult Child). This is important because the criteria change. 3. The rep was correct about being able to work without earnings limits while your daughter receives survivors benefits. That part is accurate. 4. Request a meeting with a Technical Expert at your local office, not just any claims representative. They understand these complex cases better. Good luck and don't give up! SSA can be a maze, but persistence pays off.

My son has downs and i went thru same thing. SSA told me id lose my CIC when he turned 16 and they WERE WRONG!! I kept getting my checks cuz he's disabled. Show them doctors paperwork about her condition and insist they check the POMS manual about disabled children and CIC benefits.

I work with families in similar situations, and I can tell you that trying to reach SSA to resolve issues like this is incredibly frustrating. Every time my clients call, they wait for HOURS or get disconnected. Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that connects you with a Social Security agent quickly. I've recommended it to several families dealing with complicated survivors/disability benefits issues. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or visit claimyr.com. It made a huge difference for one of my clients who was dealing with a similar CIC benefit situation.

SSA employee here (not speaking officially). There's a LOT of confusion about this even among SSA staff because it's a complex area. Let me clarify: - Child-in-Care benefits normally stop when a child turns 16 - HOWEVER, if the child is disabled according to SSA standards, CIC benefits can continue indefinitely - The key is whether your daughter meets SSA's definition of disability (not just having a diagnosis) - At 18, there's a redetermination using adult disability criteria - If approved as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC), your benefits can continue You need to specifically request a determination of your daughter's disability status BEFORE she turns 16. Use the phrase "I'd like to request a childhood disability determination to establish continued entitlement to my mother's/father's benefits." Don't take no for an answer without getting this determination.

Start immediately. The disability determination process can take 3-6 months, so you want to get it initiated right away. Make sure you have recent medical records (within the last year) documenting her condition and functional limitations. The SSA will need to see how her condition affects her ability to function in daily activities and potentially work.

btw my cousin got told the same thing but when they actually checked the rules more carefully they found out her benefits DID continue after 16 because her son had autism. they almost cut her off by mistake!! the SSA people sometimes don't know their own rules

One more important thing: If your daughter is receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) in addition to survivors benefits, different rules apply. SSI redeterminations happen at age 18 using adult criteria. Since you mentioned she'll be recalculated at 16, it sounds like she might be receiving both benefits. Make sure you're clear about which benefit types you're discussing when you call SSA.

JUST BE PERSISTENT!!!! These SSA people will try to get you off the phone quick and sometimes give wrong info. Ask for a supervisor if you have to. I had to call like 5 times to get someone who actually knew what they were talking about for my disabled kid.

Thank you everyone for all your helpful responses! I feel much more confident now about how to approach this. I'm going to call back tomorrow and specifically request the childhood disability determination using the exact phrasing suggested. I'll also gather all her recent medical documentation to have ready. If I have trouble getting through, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update once I get this sorted out!