15 Aug I’m 41. Can I get Social Security retirement yet?

Q. I’m 41. I’ve learned my child, 3, is autistic. So now I’m home with him until further notice. I have 40 credits with Social Security. Can I retire at 41 and get benefits?
— Mom

A. We’re sure you’re going through a lot of different emotions right now.

And we’re glad you’re starting to explore what resources are available to help you.

Social Security, in terms of retirement, unfortunately isn’t an option for you now.

You can only apply for Social Security retirement benefits once you reach age 62, said Nicholas Scheibner, a certified financial planner with Baron Financial Group in Fair Lawn.

And, he said, you can only apply for Social Security disability benefits if you yourself are no longer able to physically work as defined as “substantial gainful activity,” he said

The need to stay home with your son would not qualify as a disability for you, he said.

“Depending on your income, your son may qualify for Social Security’s SSI or Supplemental Security Income,” Scheibner said. “This provides monthly income to children with specified disabilities if the family qualifies for income and asset requirements.”

For 2023, the maximum amount of SSI income for an individual is $914 per month, he said.

However, this income alone may not be enough to fully sustain the financial monthly needs for your family. There are other resources that may be able to help.

Scheibner said if your income is low enough, you can look into other benefits from your state such as Medicaid for Health Insurance, Housing Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs and others.

New Jersey residents can also reach out other organizations to get an idea of next steps:
Autism NJ
The ARC of New Jersey
Plan NJ
New Jersey Division of Disabilities

Scheibner said New Jersey also has something called the “Personal Preference Program,” which may qualify you for additional financial resources. This is offered through Medicaid and pays a monthly budget for taking care of your child.

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This story was originally published on Aug. 15, 2023.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.