Navigating the world of social security benefits can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to understanding when specific benefits begin and end.
In this blog post, we’ll be focusing on parent’s benefits, which are available to individuals who meet certain requirements. We’ll explain when these benefits start and when they end, as well as the events that can cause them to cease.
Section 1: When Parent’s Benefits Begin According to § 404.371 (a), parent’s benefits commence with the first month that is covered by the application and in which all other entitlement requirements are met. In other words, as long as you meet the criteria for receiving parent’s benefits, your benefits will begin from the first month that your application covers.
Section 2: When Parent’s Benefits End Parent’s benefits are not indefinite and can come to an end under specific circumstances. As per § 404.371 (b), your entitlement to benefits will cease with the month before the month in which one of the following events occurs:
- Entitlement to an Old-Age Benefit: If you become entitled to an old-age benefit that is equal to or larger than the parent’s benefit, your parent’s benefits will end.
- Marriage: If you marry, your parent’s benefits will generally cease. However, there is an exception. If you marry someone who is entitled to wife’s, husband’s, widow’s, widower’s, mother’s, father’s, parent’s, or disabled child’s benefits, your marriage will not affect your parent’s benefits.
- Death: The parent’s benefits will terminate in the month before the month in which you pass away.
Example: Susan’s Story
Susan is a 62-year-old woman whose adult child, Mark, is disabled. Mark relies on Susan for support, and Susan is eligible for parent’s benefits due to her role in taking care of him. In January 2023, Susan submits her application for parent’s benefits and meets all the necessary requirements for entitlement.
Based on § 404.371 (a), Susan’s parent’s benefits begin in January 2023, the first month covered by her application in which she meets all the other requirements for entitlement.
In September 2023, Susan turns 63 and becomes eligible for an old-age benefit that is larger than the parent’s benefit she has been receiving. According to § 404.371 (b)(1), Susan’s parent’s benefits will end in August 2023, which is the month before she becomes entitled to the old-age benefit.
Had Susan married someone entitled to wife’s, husband’s, widow’s, widower’s, mother’s, father’s, parent’s, or disabled child’s benefits, her parent’s benefits would not have been affected, as per § 404.371 (b)(2). However, if she had married someone without these entitlements, her parent’s benefits would have ceased.
Finally, in the unfortunate event of Susan’s passing, her parent’s benefits would end in the month before the month in which she dies, as stated in § 404.371 (b)(3).
Conclusion: Understanding when parent’s benefits begin and end is crucial for those who rely on these benefits. They begin when your application is approved and you meet all the necessary requirements, and they may end under specific circumstances, such as entitlement to an old-age benefit, marriage, or death. It’s essential to stay informed about these regulations to ensure that you can effectively plan for your financial future.
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0371.htm