Ask Larry

How Much Will My Wife And Child Receive After Combining Family Maximums?

I am 77, PIA =2891, married, with an adult disable son drawing 50% on my record=1445. My wife is 66 and is applying on my record, no record of her own. My family max is 5060. Therefore, my present wife and adult disabled chlild will get 1080 each on my record using my family max, which reduces the benefit of my disabled child to 1080 from 1445. But the adult disabled child, who lives with my EX is entitled to her record as well. Her PIA is 847 and her family max is 150% of that. what is the benefit of the disabled child after combining the maximum for me and my EX? what will the benefit of my wife? Thanks

Hi. The most that a combined family maximum can be if the records are combined this year is $6,091 (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300615770). In order for your family maximum benefit (FMB) to be combined with the FMB on your ex-wife's account, your child must establish entitlement on both accounts. Assuming that's been done and if your current wife claims spousal benefits at her full retirement age (FRA), it sounds like both she and your son could be paid their full 50% of your primary insurance amount (PIA).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 5 2022 - 2:30pm
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