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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Gene B.
I am 68 years old receiving SS retirement benefits. I have a 10-year-old daughter who is also receiving benefits through my Social Security.
I need a definition as detailed as possible about what the money she is receiving can be used for. Her mother and I are divorced. Her mother wants to save the SS money for college, but I think it’s intended purpose is to use for everyday child-raising expenses like health insurance and medical care. What exactly doe the Social Securitiy Administration say the SS benefits may be used for? Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Gene. It sounds like you are referring to children’s benefits. Please refer to our Guide to Representative Payees for information about how to use the benefits. We hope this helps.
John T.
I just adopted my grand boys can I claim them on my ssi? How can I do that?
A.C.
Hi, John. Under certain circumstances, we may pay Social Security benefits to a stepchild, grandchild, stepgrandchild, or adopted child. For specific questions about your situation, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. We hope this helps!
Courtney j.
Hello I just want to know where i send my sons 1372 form so it can be processed as soon as possible. Please help i do not want to send it to the wrong place
V.V.
Hi Courtney, thank you for your question. All 7 pages of form SSA-1372-BK are available for viewing/downloading. Pages 1, 6 and 7 are provided as informational for school officials. Pages 2, 3, 4 and 5 directly concern school officials. After the school official reviews page 2 of the form, certifies page 3, returns both pages to the student, and retains pages 4 and 5, the student takes or mails completed page 2 and certified page 3 of the SSA-1372-BK to their local Social Security office for processing.
Sheanie J.
I’m trying to find out status of my daughters disability
Christy
My son receive s 457$ plus 313 from his dad’s disability. I home school him. As requested by school. Can I work. I am divorced. Is there a certain amount per month I can make without taking from his check?
Tequila Y.
My son father receive social security and I was told that my son can also receive social security because his father is so called disabled how do I go about getting my son a check?
A.C.
Hi, Tequila. Click here to see what information you will need to provide to apply for your child’s benefits. You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting 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. We hope this helps.
ELEANOR L.
the date I receive my payment changes every month why is that
V.V.
Hi Eleanor, thank you for your question. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if your benefits begin with the month of February, you will receive your first benefit payment in March. The exact payment date is determined by your date of birth. For future pay days, you may find the Schedule of Social Security Payments calendars useful.
Jewell W.
How can a child get survivors benefits from a deceased parent that died before they was born and the parents was not married
Evelyn A.
yes I’m Trying to find out information about my grandsons claim his father died last July I applied in August and I haven’t heard anything sense. His name is Jesse James Kasher ss *** – ** – *** my name is Evelyn A Brown his grandmother can some one let me know something please Thank you
V.V.
Thank you for contacting us, Evelyn. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about your grandson’s application, you will have 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.
Roger D.
I have full custody on my granddaughter and raising her in my home. Is she eligible for SS.
V.V.
Hi Roger, thank you for your question. Under current law, Social Security can only pay benefits to grandchildren if certain conditions are met. In addition to providing for more than 50% of their support as you are doing now, the biological parents of the children must be deceased or disabled, or you must have legally adopted them. See “Benefits For Grandchildren” for more information.