Social Security Pays Benefits to Children After the Death of a Parent
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: June 20, 2024
When many people think of Social Security, retirement springs to mind. But did you know that about 2.7 million children receive Social Security? More than half of these children get benefits after the death of a parent who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
In fact, 98 out of 100 children in this country could get Social Security if a working parent dies. In some cases, the child’s surviving parent is eligible for benefits as well.
The death of a parent can have negative financial, health, and educational effects on children, according to research by David Weaver of the University of South Carolina published in Population Review in 2019. When tragedy happens, we can help.
Social Security benefits are very valuable for surviving children and their families. They come from all walks of life and all races and ethnicities, income levels, geographic locations, and more.
We estimate that Social Security Survivors Insurance is equivalent to a life insurance policy with a face value of $930,000 for a young worker with average earnings who leaves behind a spouse and two children.
We base the monthly benefit amount on the earnings of the deceased parent. The average surviving child benefit is more than $1,000 per month. We pay benefits until the child turns 18 or 19, if the child is in high school, and is not married. A stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or adopted child may be eligible for monthly benefits under certain circumstances.
Survivors benefits may be payable to an adult child of a deceased worker, if they have a disability that began before age 22, they are not able to work, and meet all eligibility requirements.
If a child in your life has lost a parent, it’s important for the child’s family to reach out to us as soon as possible. The date you contact us to file an application can affect when the child’s benefits begin.
You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can usually schedule an appointment in 30-60 days. We will let you know what information you need to apply. We provide free interpreter services by phone or in person in your local Social Security office.
To learn more, visit our Survivors Benefits and Parents and Guardians webpages.
Please share this information with your friends and family who may need it – and post it on social media.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Children, equity, Social Security benefits, survivors benefits
See CommentsAbout the Author
Comments
Leave a Comment
Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment. For your safety, please do not post Personally Identifiable Information (such as your Social Security Number, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or birthdate) on our blog.
Steven C.
My girlfriend has a designation of (Disabled Adult Child) she has been on SSI payments since she was 13/14yrs old and medically considered disabled. She however now at (32) received SSA letters informing her she was “Approved for Survivor Benefits” and will begin receiving her father & mothers SSA payments as well. However, being she has been on SSI for almost 20yrs of “Pay Increases” her SSI payments are “Higher” now than the SSA benefits, however it indicates she will receive “Both Benefits Wage Adjusted” however no viable information as to what the new payments will be or how much or what formula is used to determine her new benefits. Additionally, she is owed (168 Months of Backpay) which equates to almost $180,000 in “Back Due Payments” will this be paid “Lump Sum” and/or will they back-out any SSI payments already received; it’s very confusing and no good information exists anywhere to add clarity. They confirm (168-Months Backpay) but being withheld to calculate balance due; and assume they will adjust for SSI payments somehow, but it’s confusing; will she receive $180K, $80k, or $30k its confusing, and will new payments be “Both” SSI & SSA or reduced SSI based in SSA income, and WHAT is the formula of calculation for new benefits.
Leena
My daughter receives ssi benefits from her deceased father. It is split between her and another child he had. She is first born and he owes me years of back child support. Are we entitled to a higher amount monthly? Do I take it up with the county he resided in?
Jeffrey W.
Hello, my Granddaughter receives survivor benefits after the death of her working Mother.
We have been legal guardians for her since mothers death. I recently applied for retirement social security and my granddaughters name was also on the application. I was contacted by SSA by letter saying that i could now apply for survivor benefits under my name. During the phone appointment the representative stated that I was not eligible since we would have had to adopt her. We have court documents from a judge granting us legal guardianship until she turns 18. Is this not sufficient to show full time custody and that she lives with us.
Lacy
My daughter’s dad passed away last month. She under the age of 18 so the survivor benefits will be going to an account that me and her share.
My question is will I be able to use a portion of the money to help pay off debt that was accrued due to lack of child support given before he died? While also using the rest of money on her every month?
Do I have to send in receipts of how all money is spent?
Liz
Yes, it will be for you to decide how its spent.
Tommy T.
Istarted drawing social security age 67 my kids under 18 in age also started drawing if i die do they just keep drawing same amount till age 18
S.S.
Hi, Tommy. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. As surviving children, they may each be due up to 75% of your deceased basic benefit amount. You’ll find more information in our “Benefits For Children” pamphlet.
Most minor children who receive Social Security benefits must have a representative payee. For more details, check out our Representative Payee web page. If you have additional questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or your local office. You’ll find the phone number using our Social Security Office Locator.
Shirlena A.
Yes my ex husband and the father of my kids collected SSI and he passed away 3years ago am I and his kids entitled to any benefits
S.S.
Hello Shirlena. We are sorry for your loss. Thank you for reading our blog and for your question. Unfortunately, survivor benefits are not eligible for those who receive SSI. When a spouse passes away after working long enough in a job where he or she paid Social Security taxes, their children or spouses could receive monthly Survivor benefits. You can find more information on our survivors benefits page. We hope this information helps.
jhorden v.
hello, my daughters father was killed about 3 years now and since then we were doing good when it came down to money but recently i lost my job. Want to know if she can still get any type of benefit until she turns 18
S.S.
We are sorry for your loss, Jhorden. You can find out what information you’ll need to apply for surviving child’s benefits here. You cannot apply for survivors benefits online, but you may want to prepare for your interview by reviewing the online Application for Survivors Benefits. During your interview, you will also apply to become your son’s representative payee. Read our Guide for Representative Payees for information about bank account options. A common checking account for all family members living in the same household who receive benefits may show the parent as the owner of the account. A savings account must show your son as the account owner. To learn more about survivors benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Karina G.
Hello I’m looking for more information in regards to survivors benefits. My sister unexpectedly passed due to a tragic incident and leaves behind a 3 year old son, the father is alive, but incarcerated. Father signed rights over to my parents. Is there anything that my nephew would qualify for?
Michelle
Yes. He should qualify for survivor benefits from his mother
S.S.
We are sorry for your loss, Karina. You can find out what information you’ll need to apply for surviving child’s benefits here. You cannot apply for survivors benefits online, but you may want to prepare for your interview by reviewing the online Application for Survivors Benefits. During your interview, you will also apply to become your son’s representative payee. Read our Guide for Representative Payees for information about bank account options. A common checking account for all family members living in the same household who receive benefits may show the parent as the owner of the account. A savings account must show your son as the account owner. To learn more about survivors benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Lisa L.
Hello, my Grandsons receive survivor benefits after the death of their working Mother. One of the children will not graduate until he is 19 years old. Who do I need to contact to make sure his benefits do not end at 18?
S.S.
Hi, Lisa. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Benefits for your children generally stop at age 18 unless the child has a disability or is in high school. If your grandson is still a full-time student, his benefits can continue until age 19. To speak with a representative about your situation, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office. For more information about benefits for children, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Ally
Hello, my daughter who is 3 recently started getting survivorship benefits from her father who passed away. He has another daughter (from a different mother) who will be turning 18 in February. She never applied for her portion of the benefits. Will my 3 yr old daughter start receiving the other child’s portion once the other child turns 18? As well as the back money she never claimed?