Can My Children Claim Social Security Benefits When I Retire at 62? A Complete Guide for California FamiliesWP

Source: MarketWatch – “I’m retiring at 62 this year with 11-year-old twins. Can they claim Social Security using my benefit?”

Who This Article Is For: California residents planning early retirement who have minor children and want to understand how Social Security dependent benefits work. If you’re retiring at 62 (or any age before your full retirement age) and wondering whether your children can receive benefits based on your work record, this guide answers your most pressing questions.

The Short Answer: Yes, Your Children May Qualify

When you begin collecting Social Security retirement benefits, your eligible dependent children can receive benefits based on your work record. This applies even if you retire early at age 62. Here’s what you need to know:

Your children can receive up to 50% of your full retirement age benefit amount (not your reduced benefit)

Children must be unmarried and under age 18 (or up to age 19 if still in high school full-time)

Disabled adult children may qualify if the disability began before age 22

There’s a family maximum benefit cap that typically ranges from 150% to 180% of your full retirement benefit

How Does Early Retirement at 62 Affect My Children’s Benefits?

Here’s where it gets interesting—and where many California families planning retirement get confused:

Your children’s benefit is calculated based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA)—the benefit you would receive at full retirement age (currently 67 for most people retiring today)

Even though you’re taking a reduced benefit by retiring at 62 (approximately 30% less than your full retirement age amount), your children’s benefits are NOT reduced

Each eligible child can receive up to 50% of your PIA

Real-World Example:

Let’s say your full retirement age benefit (PIA) would be $3,000 per month at age 67. If you retire at 62:

You receive approximately $2,100/month (reduced by about 30%)

Each of your 11-year-old twins could receive up to $1,500/month (50% of your $3,000 PIA)

However, the family maximum typically caps total benefits at around 150-180% of your PIA

Understanding the Family Maximum Benefit

The Social Security Administration applies a family maximum that limits the total amount your family can receive. This is crucial for families with multiple children:

The family maximum is typically 150% to 180% of your PIA

Your retirement benefit counts toward this maximum

If total family benefits exceed this cap, your children’s benefits are reduced proportionally (but your benefit stays the same)

As children age out of eligibility, remaining children may see their benefits increase

Example Calculation:

Using the scenario above with a $3,000 PIA and family maximum of 180%:

Total family maximum: $5,400 (180% of $3,000)

Your reduced benefit at 62: $2,100

Remaining for children: $3,300

Split between two twins: $1,650 each

How Long Will My Children Receive Benefits?

Your children’s eligibility ends when they:

Turn 18 (unless still in high school)

Graduate from high school (if after age 18, benefits continue until age 19)

Get married

No longer have a qualifying disability (for adult disabled children)

For 11-year-old twins, this means approximately 7 years of benefits—potentially tens of thousands of dollars in additional family income during critical growing years.

How to Apply for Children’s Benefits

To claim dependent benefits for your children when you retire:

Apply for your retirement benefits through the Social Security Administration

Inform SSA about your dependent children during your application

Provide required documentation:

Choose direct deposit for reliable monthly payments

Common Questions California Families Ask

Can my children receive benefits if I’m still working after 62?

Yes, but the Social Security earnings test applies. If you earn above the annual limit ($22,320 in 2024), your benefits—and your children’s benefits—may be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, this earnings test no longer applies.

What if I’m divorced?

Children can receive benefits on a parent’s record regardless of marital status, as long as the parent is receiving retirement or disability benefits.

Do my children’s benefits affect my retirement benefit amount?

No. Your children’s benefits are auxiliary benefits that don’t reduce what you receive.

What happens if one twin turns 18 before the other?

The remaining eligible child may receive a higher benefit amount, as the family maximum will now be divided among fewer people.

Estate Planning Considerations for California Families

When planning early retirement with minor children, Social Security benefits are just one piece of your financial picture. California families should also consider:

Creating or updating your estate plan to protect your children’s inheritance

Establishing guardianship provisions in case something happens to you before children reach adulthood

Setting up trusts to manage assets for minor children

Reviewing beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and other assets

Coordinating Social Security strategies with your overall retirement and estate plan

Many California residents don’t realize that retiring early can create estate planning complications. For example, if you pass away while your children are still minors, they may be eligible for survivor benefits instead of dependent benefits—often a higher amount. Having proper legal documents in place ensures their financial future is protected.

Why California Families Choose Professional Guidance

Navigating Social Security rules, retirement planning, and estate protection simultaneously can feel overwhelming. That’s why many California families work with experienced professionals who understand both the federal benefit system and California-specific estate laws.

At California Probate and Trust, PC, we help families create comprehensive plans that coordinate Social Security strategies with proper estate planning documents. Our team has helped thousands of California residents protect their families through:

Customized trust creation to manage benefits for minor children

Guardianship designations that ensure your children are cared for

Healthcare directives and powers of attorney for unexpected circumstances

Strategic planning that maximizes government benefits while protecting your estate

Take the Next Step: Protect Your Family’s Future

If you’re planning to retire at 62 with minor children, now is the time to ensure your family is fully protected. Don’t leave money on the table or your children’s future to chance.

Schedule your free consultation with California Probate and Trust, PC today. Our experienced Sacramento-based attorneys will:

Review your specific situation and Social Security eligibility

Explain how dependent benefits work with your retirement timeline

Create or update your estate plan to protect your children

Provide clear, transparent guidance with no hidden fees

📞 Call (866) 674-1130 to schedule your FREE consultation

🌐 Visit cpt.law to learn more

With offices in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, and San Francisco, we serve California families throughout the state who value transparency, family protection, and expert guidance during life’s major transitions.

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