I am currently 36 and receiving SSI. I was disabled before the age of 22, and plan to collect on his earnings record when he starts to collect social security. My mother will also be collecting on his record as his spouse. I don't know the exact amount I would get based on the family maximum. Will my starting monthly payment amount be the only amount I will ever receive? Or, will I be able to collect more in time with a survivor's benefit (one or both parents deceased)? What is the maximum percentage that I can ultimately receive? Thank you

Hi,

Benefit amounts for disabled adult children (DAC) are determined by the primary insurance amount (PIA) of the parent on whose record they are entitled. DACs receiving benefits on a living parent's record are eligible for up to 50% of the parent's PIA, whereas DACs receiving survivor benefits can receive up to 75% of the parent's PIA. However, there is a family maximum amount payable on any individual's Social Security record that can limit the amounts payable to auxiliaries or survivors who receive benefits on their record.

So, I guess the bottom line is that the answer to your question is complicated. Your potential benefit rate can vary over time, though, depending on which parent's record you receive benefits from, and whether they are living or deceased. But, the most you could ever expect to receive is 75% of the PIA (i.e. full retirement age rate) of the higher earning parent as a survivor.

I should also mention that if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your SSI payments will be offset essentially dollar for dollar by any Social Security benefits you receive.

Best, Jerry