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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Sherley
Raised my granddaughter since both of her parents passed away will she still get her benefits when she goes to college
Charlotte N.
I need to find out the correct number of my child’s social security number because the IRS keeps saying the number I have is wrong.
Charlotte N.
I need to find out the correct number of my child’s social security number because the IRS keeps saying the number I have is wrongis wrong
A.C.
Hi, Charlotte. Thank you for your comment. For your child’s security, you can only request this information in person at a Social Security office. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your child’s identity and citizenship status, and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, them. We hope this helps.
Steven
SSA retirement benifits for children denied…
Because US Embasy’s hire untrained workers
who do not follow Law or pollicies of SSA.
My child was denied, reason because no Birth cirtificate,
Yet he had Report of Birth Abroad, SS NUmber,
Passport, Been on my Taxws for 17 years.
Embasy answer to know one.
A.C.
Hi, Steven. We are sorry to hear about your situation. If you disagree with a decision, you can file an appeal. There are four levels in the appeals process. A reconsideration is the first level. Typically, the length of time it takes to receive a decision on your reconsideration is about 60 days but the amount of time could vary from case-to-case. We reevaluate all evidence, plus any additional evidence submitted and make a new decision. If you disagree with the reconsidered decision, you can choose to go to the next level of the appeals process. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask members in our Blog community to continue to work with their local office on specific questions about their case. Since you are outside of the U.S., you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit. We hope this helps.
Rajon I.
In this era a man cannot leave without society. A child needs society care to grow up.
Tracey S.
I am very interested in information regarding college financial aid for a high school student who has a disabled mother. Anything you can email me would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance.
Bryan A.
On Thanksgiving morning in 2018!my wife of 14 years finally lost her battle with cancer. As a father you feel like you are doing a lot to provide for your family but you cannot begin quantify how much your spouse does. They truly are the glue that keeps things together. I have been struggling as I try to figure things out on my own and I need to apply for SS benefits for my girls. If there is any help or advice you can give me I would be very grateful. Is it better to make an appointment? Please if you can let me know my email address is listed below. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Bryan. We are sorry to hear about your loss. If your wife worked long enough to be insured under Social Security, you may be eligible for a Lump Sum Death Payment. In addition, eligible family members may be able to receive monthly Survivor benefits. At this time, we do not offer an online application for survivors benefits. To learn more about benefits that may be available to you, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have specific questions about your case or to apply, please call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to assist you or, you can contact your local office. We hope this helps.
Romabella D.
If the beneficiary lives in other countries outside United States, can we still apply for benefits for the child?
Thank you
Kimberly L.
I have recently been approved and received letter stating so and to file application for my 3 children. Do I need an appointment at local office or can it be done online? Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Kimberly. Please contact your local Social Security office or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to file applications for your children. Thanks!
Marlena R.
My husband does not receive full disability, only SSI. Can our children draw a check also off of his SSI even though he doesn’t have full disability?
A.C.
Hi, Marlena. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. SSI is only payable, however, to the actual disabled and/or aged individual in question. No benefits are payable to dependents and/or spouses under this program. We hope this helps.