My adult son (autistic non-verbal, age 25) is currently receiving SSI. When I die, he will be eligible for monthly 50% SSA Survivor Benefits of approx. $1,400. My question is would the survivor benefit be treated as income to him and how would it impact his continued eligibility under SSI. He has a 3rd party grantor irrevocable special needs trust, but I do not believe this offers a solution since the survivor payments would be made out to him.
Ken
Hi Ken,
This would be treated as income for the purposes of SSI, however your son may be able to keep receiving survivor's benefits up until he gets married or ( if possible) enters the workforce.
In reply to Hi Ken, by Bryan
We are in a similar situation with my 29 yr old son, but he is working at a sheltered workshop making much less than minimum wage and receives SSI. His father is retiring soon and will draw early SS. It seems wise that my son should apply for 50% of his father's SS because it will be higher than SSI, but the question is whether that will totally eliminate SSI for him? And if it does, will I have to keep reporting annually on how the SS is spent for him? I don't know anyone who has to report SS expenditures.
In reply to We are in a similar situation by Gail (not verified)
Hi Gail,
He may be able to get SSI and SSDI at the same time, and if he was still eligible for SSI, he would have to report his income and expenditures.
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