Will my disabled daughter get half of my husband's FRA or reduced Social Security benefit amount?

You're right to question this. A Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefit should be based on 50% of the parent's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is their benefit at full retirement age, regardless of when the parent actually starts collecting. The fact that your husband took his benefits early shouldn't reduce what your daughter can receive. The rep you spoke with was likely confused about the rules for DACs versus other dependents. Regarding Medicaid - this is tricky. When she moves from SSI to SSDI as a DAC, she will likely lose her SSI-based Medicaid. However, most states have what's called a "DAC protected Medicare status" that allows former SSI recipients who lose eligibility due to receiving DAC benefits to keep their Medicaid. You'll need to check with your state's Medicaid office about this specific protection.

I went through this exact situation with my disabled son last year. The Disabled Adult Child benefit is definitely 50% of the parent's PIA (full retirement age amount), NOT the reduced amount. When my husband took early retirement at 63, our son still got half of what my husband would have received at 66 and 4 months. As for Medicaid, you need to immediately contact your state Medicaid office about something called the "1634(c) COBRA continuation." This federal protection is specifically for people who lose SSI due to receiving DAC benefits. My son kept his Medicaid this way. Don't wait for SSA to handle this - they often don't communicate well with state Medicaid offices.

i dont think thats right. my nephew got less when my brother took early retirement. something about family maximum benefit being affected by early filing. the SSA is always changing rules n stuff so maybe its different for different situations??

After dealing with the SSA for my disabled daughter for 15+ years, I've learned you can NEVER trust what a single rep tells you. Half the time they give incorrect information. Your daughter should receive 50% of your husband's PIA (his FRA amount), not his reduced benefit. For getting through to someone who actually knows the DAC rules, I highly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an SSA agent in less than 15 minutes after I spent DAYS trying to get through on my own. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU As for Medicaid, each state handles the transition differently. You need to specifically ask about the "Pickle Amendment" and "Section 1634(c)" protections for former SSI recipients who transfer to DAC benefits.

the rules r different for SSI vs SSDI. ur daughter is on SSI which is welfare. when she switches to ur husbands record its SSDI which is disability insurance. different programs different rules. the medicaid will probably get cancelled but she'll get medicare after 2 years on SSDI but theres a gap there u need to plan for

Make sure you get everything in writing from SSA! We went through something similar and were told THREE different things by three different representatives. The DAC benefit SHOULD be based on the worker's full retirement age amount regardless of when they filed. Also, you should know that when your husband passes away someday (hopefully far in the future), your daughter's benefit will convert to a survivor benefit which is 75% of his FULL benefit amount. This is an important planning consideration. For the Medicaid issue - don't rely on SSA to handle this correctly. Contact your state Medicaid office directly and mention "SSDI-DAC Medicaid continuation" specifically. Print out the policy if you can find it online and bring it with you.

My daughter gets SSDI on my record and her benefits are based on my full amount!!!! The person you talked to is WRONG!!! Talk to a different person!!! The SSA people dont know there own rules half the time!!!!!

To clarify what everyone has said: 1) Your daughter's DAC benefit will be 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is his benefit at full retirement age, regardless of when he actually started collecting. 2) When applying, bring documentation showing disability before age 22 and continuous disability. Medical records from childhood will be very helpful. 3) For Medicaid protection, specifically ask about "Section 1634(c) protected Medicaid status" - this is the provision that allows former SSI recipients who switch to DAC benefits to maintain Medicaid eligibility even if their new income would otherwise make them ineligible. 4) She will need to wait 24 months after DAC eligibility begins before Medicare coverage starts, which is why maintaining Medicaid during this period is crucial. 5) The application for DAC benefits is separate from your husband's retirement application - you need to specifically apply for it.