The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a measure that benefits millions of mothers: the "Children Drop-Out Years" (CDY) program. This adjustment allows mothers who stopped working to care for their young children not to see their future retirements reduced.
Take note of its conditions because this much-needed help for many women might interest you. The CDY program allows certain years without income to be excluded from the calculation of Social Security benefits.
SSA Lends a Hand to U.S. Mothers: This Is the Children Drop-Out Years Program
This is especially useful for mothers who paused their professional careers to care for their children under three years old. By eliminating these years of low or no income, retirement benefits are not decreased. For a mother to benefit from the CDY program, she must meet the following requirements:
- Have had no income during the year in question.
- Have cared for a child under three years old for at least nine months of that year.
- The number of years that can be excluded depends on the total years worked. For example, if 15 years were worked, up to 3 years of childcare could be excluded.
To apply for the CDY program adjustment, it is recommended to contact the SSA directly. Although there is no specific form available online, interested parties can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office for personalized assistance.
Other Available Assistance for Mothers in the U.S.
In addition to the CDY program, there are other forms of protection and benefits for mothers in the United States. If a mother receives retirement or disability benefits, her children under 18 years old (or up to 19 if they are in school) may be eligible to receive additional benefits.
For families with limited income, SSI provides monthly cash payments. Likewise, mothers with disabilities may be eligible for Social Security benefits, depending on their work history and the nature of their disability.
The initiative of the Children Drop-Out Years program represents a significant advancement in the protection and recognition of the unpaid work of mothers in the United States. By allowing the years dedicated to childcare not to negatively affect retirement benefits, greater equity and fairness are offered in the Social Security system.