Social Security Child's / Disabled Adult Child (DAC) and Survivor Benefits

Monthly Social Security benefits paid under Title II to dependent children and surviving family members on a retired, disabled, or deceased worker's earnings record. Covers: (1) Disabled Adult Child (DAC/CDB) benefits — for an adult disabled before age 22 who can receive lifetime benefits and Medicare on a parent's record; (2) Child's benefits — for minor children under 18 (or 19 if in school full-time) of retired, disabled, or deceased workers; (3) Survivor mother's/father's benefits — for a surviving spouse caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child of the deceased worker. A core income line for aging caregiver households with disabled adult children, and for kinship/grandfamily caregivers who are surviving spouses.

Monthly cash benefits paid on a retired, disabled, or deceased worker's earnings record. 2026 rates (+2.8% COLA): Amounts depend on the worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA); typical ranges: (1) Disabled Adult Child (DAC/CDB) — up to 50% of PIA (retired parent) or 75% of PIA (deceased parent) per month; DAC carries Medicare after 24 months. (2) Child's benefit (minor) — up to 50% of retired/disabled parent's PIA or 75% of deceased parent's PIA; total family benefit is capped. (3) Survivor mother's/father's benefit — 75% of deceased worker's PIA for a surviving spouse caring for a qualifying child (under 16 or disabled). For family caregivers: DAC benefits are often the primary ongoing income for an aging parent still caring for a disabled adult child; survivor mother's/father's benefits support widowed caregivers with young or disabled children. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Services

Monthly cash benefits paid on a retired, disabled, or deceased worker's earnings record. 2026 rates (+2.8% COLA): Amounts depend on the worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA); typical ranges: (1) Disabled Adult Child (DAC/CDB) — up to 50% of PIA (retired parent) or 75% of PIA (deceased parent) per month; DAC carries Medicare after 24 months. (2) Child's benefit (minor) — up to 50% of retired/disabled parent's PIA or 75% of deceased parent's PIA; total family benefit is capped. (3) Survivor mother's/father's benefit — 75% of deceased worker's PIA for a surviving spouse caring for a qualifying child (under 16 or disabled). For family caregivers: DAC benefits are often the primary ongoing income for an aging parent still caring for a disabled adult child; survivor mother's/father's benefits support widowed caregivers with young or disabled children. Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.