By Martin Coffey
Social Security Director
QMs. M writes: “I am writing for my mother who read an article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press where someone asked about SSI benefits. In the article, it was mentioned that a dependent grandchild may qualify to draw on their grandparent’s benefits. My mother is on SSI and is raising two of her grandchildren of whom she has permanent custody. She was wondering if they could draw off of her and, if so, what does she do to go about obtaining those benefits for them. She is on a tight budget, and this would help in raising the two grandchildren greatly.
A: Social Security administers two different programs. SSI is Supplemental Security Income, and it is a program based on need. It is payable only to the individual and to qualify, you must be age 65 or disabled.
There is no provision for children to receive SSI on another record.
Social Security is a separate program and it is based on entitlement. If a wage earner is receiving Social Security benefits, a natural child, an adopted child, or a stepchild can possibly receive benefits. A grandchild can also receive if both parents are deceased or disabled.
Q: “I have a disabled 24-year-old son. He has been receiving SSI benefits since he was l8. However, I know another family and they have a son who receives two separate Social Security checks. Their total of benefits for him are about twice what we receive.”
A: It is possible for a disabled adult child to receive Social Security benefits on his own work record, or on a disabled or retired parent’s record and still receive SSI benefits if the total benefits are less than $694. It is also possible for a disabled adult child to receive benefits on his own work record and on a retired or disabled parent. If either of these situations applies to your son, you should contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.
Further reference for this question and many others can be found at our website: www.socialsecurity.gov under the Questions segment in the right column. Select “benefits,” then hit GO. Search by keyword.
Q: “Is there temporary disability? I was recently in a car accident and will be out of work for a few weeks.”
A: No, while some programs give money to people with partial disability or short-term disability, Social Security does not. Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last one year or result in death.
Q: “How early do you need to contact Social Security for retirement? I’ve heard six months before your 62nd birthday.
A: To apply for Social Security retirement benefits, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months of age and want your benefits to start in the next three months. Even if you are not ready to retire, you should still sign up for Medicare four months before your 65th birthday.
Submit questions to local Social Security Director Martin Coffey by writing to Business Editor John Vass Jr., Chattanooga Times Free Press, P.O. Box 1447, Chattanooga, TN 37401-1447, or by e-mailing him at jvass@timesfreepress.com