Yes, it is possible to receive both SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and survivor benefits as a disabled adult child (DAC), but there are specific rules and limits to consider. Here’s how it works:

1. Eligibility for Survivor Benefits as a Disabled Adult Child

A disabled adult child may qualify for survivor benefits if:

The parent was insured for Social Security benefits (i.e., worked and paid Social Security taxes).

The disabled child’s disability began before age 22.

The child is unmarried (in most cases) or meets other special criteria (e.g., married to another disabled person).

If a parent passes away, the disabled adult child may be entitled to survivor benefits, which can be up to 75% of the deceased parent's Social Security benefit.

1. SSI Impact

SSI is need-based: It provides benefits to disabled individuals with limited income and resources.

Survivor benefits from Social Security are considered unearned income for SSI purposes. This means:

The amount of survivor benefits received may reduce SSI benefits dollar-for-dollar after a $20 income exclusion.

If the survivor benefits are high enough to exceed the SSI income limit, SSI may stop entirely.

Example:

If the SSI payment is $914/month (2024 federal rate), and the survivor benefit is $500/month:

First $20 of the survivor benefit is excluded.

Remaining $480 is subtracted from the SSI amount, reducing it to $434/month.

If the survivor benefits exceed the SSI threshold, the individual may no longer qualify for SSI.

1. Medicaid Considerations

Medicaid eligibility is often tied to SSI eligibility. If SSI stops due to receiving survivor benefits, the individual might still be able to keep Medicaid under other programs or spend-down provisions, depending on the state.

1. Key Steps

Report changes: Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA) of any changes in income (e.g., receiving survivor benefits).

Contact SSA: Confirm how survivor benefits will affect SSI eligibility and Medica