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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: retirement, Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Gary W.
If you are a guardian for a child from a friend that has passed away. Can social security be drawn for the child.
R.F.
Hello Gary. The unmarried children who are under 18 (up to age 19 if attending elementary or secondary school full time) may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits when either parent die.
As the legal guardian of the child, you will need to apply for his or her benefits and also to be his or her Representative Payee.
To make an appointment, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also 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 speak to someone.
We hope this information helps!
Sherri D.
How will know if my son is still eligible for benefits.and do I reapply for do you send letter to let me know his benefits had ran out or do I just reapply now.
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Sherri. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you with your son’s benefits.
To inquire about his benefits, you will need to contact your local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Linda
Could you call me back about a love who pass great grandson still in school family need help..
A.C.
Hi, Linda. We are sorry to hear of your loss. For your security and the security of others, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to work with their local office on specific questions about their case. We hope this is resolved soon.
James E.
HI,
I am on disability and have custody of my grand children
do to the parents could not take care of them,are there any benefits that I can receive.
Thanks,
James
K.O.
Hello James. Thank you for your question. Under certain circumstances, Social Security can only pay benefits to grandchildren if certain conditions are met. Generally, the biological parents of the child must be deceased or disabled, or the grandchild must be legally adopted by the grandparent. See “Benefits For Grandchildren” for more information. Hope this helps.
Gene B.
What does the Child’s Social Security Retirement Benefit pay for?
Christopher j.
How can I find out that my child collecting social sercurity disability I believe ex wife is getting check for my daughter
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Dolores G.
I applied for SSI for my children. On Oct 11. 2018 when do we start recieving the checks
R.F.
Hello Dolores. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
Phil C.
the rules for step-children have been the same since 1999? How come no fact sheet to explain the very difficult and technical aspects of determining 1/2 support? Expedited Reinstatement cases have been with SSA since approx. the year 2000. How come no fact sheet to explain this unusual method of applying for some individuals?
R.F.
Hello Phil. Our Program Operations Manual System (POMS) provides explanation about our policies and regulations. The POMS is a primary source of information used by Social Security employees to process claims for Social Security benefits. Please note that this document is intended for SSA employees. It contains technical terms and instructions that will be unfamiliar to you. Remember, our agents are always ready to assist you.
Section RS 01301.020 provides information on how we determine support for stepchildren. Section DI 13050.001 provides an overview on the Expedited Reinstatement program.
We hope this information helps!
Debra M.
If I terminate my parental rights and I am receiving disability benefits, do the check stop for the minor child
R.F.
Hello Debra. Please contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Jose G.
my sister is 56 she adopted her grandaughter of 13 . my sister does not have enough points. can her granddaughter still qualify for benefits and how ?