Social Security’s Benefits for Children
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
Social Security is with you through life’s journey — from birth, to death, and even beyond, by helping to care for surviving dependents. Every year, about 4.4 million children receive monthly benefits because one or both of their parents are disabled, retired, or deceased. When a parent becomes disabled or dies, Social Security benefits help to stabilize the family’s financial situation in an otherwise turbulent time.
Earlier this year, National Birth Defects Prevention Month in January and National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March both raised awareness about medical conditions in children. Many families with children who have birth defects or developmental disabilities need medical and financial help. This is where Social Security’s commitment to helping children and families is most evident.
Social Security pays benefits through our disability insurance and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Our disability program provides vital income for disabled children, including people disabled since childhood. To qualify for children’s benefits under our disability program, the applicant must be the child of a parent entitled to benefits and meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. A person is disabled under the Social Security Act if he or she can’t work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death.
The SSI program provides payments to blind or disabled children who live in households with low income and limited resources if they meet our strict definition of disability. You can find more information on eligibility requirements by visiting our website.
Our publication, Benefits for Children explains all we do to care for children. Our website is also an excellent source of information. If you think a child you know is eligible for benefits, don’t wait. Share this information and help improve the child’s quality of life today.
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Tags: retirement, Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Eddy W.
Can I change my daughter’s social security address online?
Jennifer w.
How do I apply to receive benefits for my daughter to draw off of my disability
R.F.
Hi Jennifer, when you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record.
For further assistant, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply. Thanks!
JO A.
IF A CHILD IS GETTING SOC SEC BENEFITS FROM A DECEASED PARENT CAN THEY STILL DRAW IF THEY QUIT SCHOOL?
R.F.
Hello Jo Ann. In general benefits stop when the child reaches age 18 (unless the child is a student or disabled). Please read our publication “Benefits for Children” for more information.
David L.
I receive my dad’s survivors benefits and I was suppose to graduate on May 25th 2018. But I did not earn enough credits so I have to go back and earn those credits. What do I need to do in order to receive extended benefits? I have a letter from New London High School explaining that information.
If you could please let me know what steps I need to take. Thank you!
Levi L.
“If you’re given a choice between money and sex appeal, take the money. As you get older, the money will become your sex appeal.” – Katherine Hepburn
BRENDA
Question for everyone – I’m a social worker at a high school. I am working with a student whose dad receives SS benefits because her mother is deceased. She is looking for a summer job. Does her employment effect the amount of SS her father gets? He is worried about loosing the support while she is still in high school.
Leon S.
can a child receive benefits while not living at home and going to school?
R.F.
Hello Leon. Normally, benefits for children stop when children reach age 18, unless they are disabled. However, if the child is still a full-time student at a secondary (or elementary) school at age 18, Social Security benefits will continue until the child graduates or until two months after the child becomes age 19, whichever is first.
Also, we generally pay benefits to the adult- Representative payee of the child, up until the child turns 18.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
jennifer t.
i am trying to find the calculator to determine how much my nephew, will receive from his deceased father.
Joshua T Tolliver born 6~3~88 to 10~24~17
*** – ** – *** thank you
R.F.
Hello Jennifer, the survivors benefit amount would be based on the earnings of the person who died. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher the benefit amount would be. The monthly amount you would get is a percentage of the deceased’s basic Social Security benefit. See more in the “Survivors Benefit Amount” section of our Benefit Planner for Survivors web page. Thanks!
Yolanda h.
If i am married and my biological father is deceased will she be able to draw his social security?
Crystal
If a parent signs their parental rights away and dies a couple years later; is the child eligible for survivor benifits still?
R.F.
Hi Crystal. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can answer in this forum. Please call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Thanks!