Will my daughter's Social Security survivor benefits increase when I lose mine at her age 16?

I went through something similar with my son last year. Unfortunately, your daughter won't automatically get your portion of the benefits when you lose eligibility. Each survivor receives their own calculated amount based on the deceased's earnings record, and when one beneficiary becomes ineligible, that portion simply stops - it doesn't transfer to other beneficiaries.Your daughter will continue to receive her current survivor benefit amount until she turns 18 (or 19 if still in high school). The DAC benefits would continue beyond that if approved, but that's a separate determination process from what you've already started.Since your daughter has autism and cognitive delays, I strongly recommend continuing to pursue the DAC claim. Make sure you're providing comprehensive documentation from all specialists showing how her condition limits functioning. SSA often denies initial applications, so be prepared to appeal.

Thank you so much for explaining this. I was really hoping her amount would increase! This is going to be a huge financial hit for us. Do you know if I should be working with a specific department at SSA for the DAC claim? I feel like I keep getting different answers every time I call.

the ssa stuff is confusing!!!! i had similar situation with my nephew but diferent because it was SSDI not survivors. they told us one thing then did another thing completely! have u tried going to the actual office? sometimes the phone people dont know what there talking about honestly

I've tried going to the office twice but the wait times were 3+ hours both times and I couldn't stay that long because of my daughter's therapy appointments. It's so frustrating! I feel like I'm getting nowhere with them.

To directly answer your question: No, your daughter won't automatically get your portion when you lose eligibility at her age 16. The family maximum benefit rules limit the total amount payable on one worker's record, but each eligible person receives their own calculated portion.For planning purposes:1. Your daughter will continue receiving her current amount (approximately $1,375/month) until she turns 18 (or 19 if still in high school)2. The DAC benefits could continue beyond age 18/19 if approved, but that requires meeting the adult disability criteria3. Since she was previously approved for SSI, you should keep detailed documentation of her disabilities for the adult disability application at 18Regarding the SSI that was discontinued - if her survivor benefits decrease significantly in the future, you might be able to reestablish SSI eligibility depending on the total household income and resources at that time. Worth checking into once your situation changes.

This is exactly right! I work with families in similar situations. One thing I'd add is that when she turns 18, you'll need to apply for adult disability benefits separately - it's not automatic even with a childhood disability determination. And yes, reapplying for SSI might be possible if her total income is below the threshold.

We went through similar with my grandson!!!!! SO FRUSTRATED with the whole system. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to get straight answers!!!! When my daughter passed the payments were all messed up for months. Sending you strength mama!!!!

Thank you ❤️ It helps knowing I'm not alone in this confusion. I'm sorry you had to deal with it too.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an actual SSA agent without the endless hold times. I was dealing with a similar survivor benefits issue and spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone. With Claimyr (claimyr.com), I got through to SSA in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puURegarding your question, I confirmed with the SSA agent that survivor benefits don't transfer between beneficiaries. Each eligible person receives their own calculated amount, and if you become ineligible, that portion simply stops being paid out. Definitely focus on documenting your daughter's disability thoroughly for both the current DAC application and the adult disability application you'll need to file when she turns 18.

does this claimyr thing actually work? i keep getting disconnected too every time i try calling about my husband's benefits

It worked for me. I was skeptical at first but was desperate after trying for weeks. Got through to a real person who could actually help with my survivor benefits question.

my sister got DAC benifits for my niece who has down syndrome. they denied her 2 times before approving!!! dont give up keep appealing. the trick is getting detail reports from ALL doctors showing exactly what she cant do not just diagnosis

This is so helpful - thank you! I think I need to get more specific functional assessments from her therapists, not just her diagnostic reports. Going to call them all tomorrow.

Regarding your daughter's disability case, make sure you're submitting evidence that specifically addresses the childhood disability criteria. For children, SSA evaluates whether they have a medically determinable impairment that results in

Thank you for this detailed guidance! We have her IEP and neuropsych eval from last year, but I haven't submitted the therapy progress reports. She gets speech, OT and behavioral therapy weekly, so those should help document her limitations better. Should I just send these additional documents to the local office or is there a specific process?

You should submit them directly to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office handling her claim. Call the number on the most recent correspondence you received and ask for the direct contact information for her disability examiner. That person can tell you exactly how to submit additional evidence for her pending claim.

To address a point no one has mentioned yet: When you start working, be aware that your earnings won't affect your daughter's survivor benefits. Her eligibility and benefit amount are based solely on her deceased father's earnings record and her continued eligibility (age/disability status). Your new income won't reduce her survivor payments.However, if you reapply for SSI for her in the future, then your income would be relevant because SSI is needs-based and considers household income and resources.

Oh that's a huge relief! I was worried my new job might affect her benefits. Thank you for clarifying this.

my cousin gets survivors for her kids and she said sometimes they can get more when theres fewer people receiving from same record but its complicated. something about family maximum calculation??

Your cousin is partly right, but it's more nuanced. There is a Family Maximum Benefit (FMB) that caps the total amount payable on one worker's record. However, when one beneficiary becomes ineligible, the remaining beneficiaries don't automatically get that portion. Instead, their benefits are recalculated based on the new family composition, which might sometimes result in a slight increase, but never the full amount of what the ineligible person was receiving. In most survivor situations though, each person is already receiving their maximum individual entitlement, so there's often no change when one beneficiary becomes ineligible.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - navigating SSA benefits while caring for a child with disabilities is incredibly overwhelming. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you're getting solid advice about the benefits not transferring and the importance of thorough documentation for the DAC claim. One thing that might help with the immediate planning: since you know your household income will drop significantly when your benefits stop at her age 16, you could start preparing now by creating a budget based on just her $1,375/month plus whatever you'll earn from your new job. This might help you identify exactly what financial gaps you'll need to address and give you time to explore additional resources like food assistance, utility programs, or other local support services for families with disabled children. Also, regarding the SSA office visits - have you tried calling ahead to ask about their least busy times? Some offices are less crowded early morning or late afternoon. You might also ask if they offer any phone appointments for existing cases rather than requiring in-person visits. Hang in there - you're doing everything right by planning ahead and advocating for your daughter.

I'm dealing with a similar situation with my son who has developmental disabilities. One thing that helped us was getting a letter from SSA specifically outlining the timeline and benefit amounts - sometimes having it in writing makes it easier to plan financially. Also, while you're working on the DAC application, make sure you're documenting EVERYTHING your daughter needs help with daily. SSA looks at "activities of daily living" so things like whether she can manage money, cook safely, navigate transportation, handle emergencies, etc. The more specific examples you can provide from her daily life, the stronger your case will be. I know it's exhausting, but don't give up on the DAC claim. My son was denied twice before we got approval, and now he receives benefits that will continue for life as long as he remains disabled. The financial security it provides is worth fighting for. You're doing an amazing job advocating for your daughter. This system is broken and confusing, but you're asking all the right questions and getting good advice here.

I'm going through something very similar with my disabled son, so I completely understand your stress and confusion. From my experience dealing with SSA over the past few years, I can confirm what others have said - unfortunately your daughter's benefit won't increase when yours stops. Each person gets their own calculated amount based on the deceased worker's record, and when one beneficiary becomes ineligible, that portion just disappears rather than getting redistributed. What I found helpful was creating a detailed timeline of all the key dates - when your benefits stop at her age 16, when she turns 18 and can apply for adult disability, etc. This helped me plan financially for each transition period. For the DAC application, I'd strongly recommend getting a disability advocate or attorney if you can. Many work on contingency for SSA cases, so you don't pay unless you win. They know exactly what documentation SSA needs and how to present it effectively. The system is so complex that having professional help made a huge difference for us. Also, keep detailed records of every phone call, visit, and document you submit. SSA has a tendency to "lose" things, and having your own paper trail is crucial if you need to appeal or resubmit anything. You're doing everything right by planning ahead and advocating for your daughter. This system is incredibly difficult to navigate, but don't give up on getting her the benefits she deserves.

I went through this exact situation with my daughter who has intellectual disabilities. You're right to be concerned - the financial impact is significant and the benefits don't transfer. One thing that really helped us during the transition was applying for state vocational rehabilitation services early. Even though your daughter is only approaching 16, many states allow applications at 14-16 for transition planning. These programs can provide additional support services and sometimes financial assistance that helps bridge the gap. Also, while you're gathering documentation for the DAC claim, make sure to include any adaptive equipment or special accommodations your daughter uses. Things like communication devices, safety equipment, or specialized software can help demonstrate the level of support she needs. SSA sometimes overlooks these details, but they're crucial for showing functional limitations. The waiting and uncertainty is the worst part. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed trying to plan for an unknown financial future. But you're being proactive by getting employment lined up, and that forward thinking will serve you well. Many families I know who went through this transition found that having even part-time work helped tremendously with both finances and mental health during the uncertainty. Don't let SSA's initial response discourage you from pursuing the DAC benefits. Their first response is often "no" regardless of how strong the case is. Keep pushing and document everything.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this uncertainty - it's such a stressful situation when you're trying to plan for your family's financial future. Based on everything I've read here, it sounds like you're getting really solid advice from people who've been through similar experiences. One thing I wanted to add that might help with the immediate transition: have you looked into whether your state has any emergency assistance programs specifically for families with disabled children? Some states have bridge programs that can provide temporary financial support during benefit transitions like this. Your local disability services office or 211 (dial 2-1-1) might be able to point you toward resources you haven't considered yet. Also, regarding the job search - if you haven't already, it might be worth looking into remote work opportunities that offer flexible scheduling. Given your daughter's therapy appointments and medical needs, having that flexibility could be really valuable, especially during the adjustment period when you're still figuring out the new routine. You're clearly an incredible advocate for your daughter, and the fact that you're planning so far ahead shows how thoughtful and dedicated you are as a parent. This system is frustratingly complex, but you're asking all the right questions and building a good support network here. Keep pushing forward - your daughter is lucky to have someone fighting so hard for her future security.

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As someone who works in disability advocacy, I can confirm what others have shared - unfortunately, your daughter's survivor benefit won't increase when your benefits stop at age 16. The benefits are calculated individually, and when one person loses eligibility, that portion simply ends rather than being redistributed. However, I want to emphasize something important about the DAC application process: don't let that initial letter discourage you from continuing to pursue it. SSA often sends confusing correspondence during the review process, and sometimes what looks like a denial is actually just notification about one aspect of the case while other parts are still being evaluated. For your DAC documentation, focus heavily on functional limitations rather than just diagnoses. Document specific examples of how her autism and cognitive delays affect her ability to work, manage finances, live independently, handle emergencies, etc. School IEPs are helpful, but what SSA really wants to see is evidence that she cannot perform substantial gainful activity due to her impairments. One practical tip: when you do get through to SSA (and I'd second the recommendation about trying early morning calls), ask specifically about the status of both her current survivor benefits AND the separate DAC determination. Sometimes these get confused in their system, and you want to make sure both tracks are being handled properly. You're doing everything right by planning ahead and advocating fiercely for your daughter. This system is incredibly complex, but your persistence will pay off.

I'm so sorry you're navigating this stressful situation. As someone who went through a similar experience with my nephew who has developmental delays, I completely understand your anxiety about the financial impact. Unfortunately, what others have confirmed is correct - your daughter's survivor benefit amount won't increase when your benefits stop at her age 16. Each beneficiary receives their own calculated portion based on the deceased worker's record, and when one person becomes ineligible, that portion simply disappears rather than being redistributed. One thing I learned during our experience that might help you: when you do start working, keep detailed records of your employment income. While your earnings won't affect your daughter's survivor benefits (since those are based on her father's work record), having good income documentation will be crucial if you ever need to reapply for SSI for her in the future. SSI is needs-based and considers household income, so if circumstances change, you'll want that paper trail ready. Also, regarding the DAC application - I'd suggest requesting a detailed status update in writing from SSA. Sometimes their phone representatives give incomplete or confusing information, but having the status and next steps documented in writing can help you track exactly where things stand and what additional evidence they might need. The transition period is really tough, but you're being smart by planning ahead and getting employment lined up. Your daughter is fortunate to have such a dedicated advocate fighting for her future security. Don't give up on pursuing those DAC benefits - they could provide crucial long-term financial stability for her.

I'm really sorry you're facing this difficult situation. As others have confirmed, unfortunately your daughter's survivor benefit won't increase when your benefits stop - each person gets their own calculated amount and when one becomes ineligible, that portion just ends. One thing I wanted to add that might help with planning: since you mentioned your daughter previously qualified for SSI but lost it when survivor benefits increased, you should definitely keep that SSI case information handy. If her survivor benefits ever decrease in the future (like if there are changes to the calculation), she might become eligible for SSI again to make up the difference. SSI acts as a safety net when other benefits aren't enough to meet basic needs. Also, for the DAC application, make sure you're emphasizing how her autism and cognitive delays will prevent her from being able to work and support herself as an adult. SSA looks at whether someone can do "substantial gainful activity" - so document things like her inability to handle workplace social interactions, follow complex instructions, manage time/schedules independently, or cope with workplace stress and changes in routine. I know this is incredibly stressful, but you're doing all the right things by planning ahead and fighting for her benefits. The DAC benefits could provide lifelong financial security for her, so it's definitely worth persisting through the application process even if it takes multiple attempts.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this incredibly stressful situation. As a parent of a child with disabilities myself, I completely understand the anxiety about financial security and navigating SSA's complex system. From what I've learned through my own experience and from reading the excellent advice here, you're unfortunately correct that your daughter's survivor benefit won't increase when your benefits stop at her age 16. The benefits are calculated individually, and losing one beneficiary doesn't redistribute that amount to others. One thing I'd suggest that hasn't been mentioned yet is to start documenting your daughter's daily support needs in a journal format. Write down specific examples of assistance she needs with tasks like personal hygiene, meal preparation, money management, safety awareness, etc. This creates a clear picture of her functional limitations that goes beyond medical reports. I found this really helpful when we were going through our own disability determination process. Also, when you do get that job, consider asking HR about any employee assistance programs or disability-related benefits they might offer. Some employers have resources for employees caring for family members with disabilities that could provide additional support during this transition. You're clearly an amazing advocate for your daughter, and your proactive planning shows incredible dedication. The system is frustrating and confusing, but don't give up on the DAC benefits - they could provide that crucial long-term security she'll need. Wishing you strength and success in this process.