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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Lynda C.
Who files for death and social security benefits,if decease was a single mother. The child is 16 yrs of age .
V.V.
Hi Lynda: Usually the proper applicant for a child is a parent or an adult responsible for the child’s care. However, children between ages 15 and 17 may be considered a proper applicant if the child is not in the care of any person or institution and the child does not have a court appointed representative.
To apply for survivor benefits, the proper applicant will need to contact their local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
diane
jmmmi am trying to find a tax document to submit for my daughter who is 13. i cannot create an account on line for her bc of her age. where do i get a tax statement to submit with my taxes
J.Y.
Hi, Diane. It sounds like you are referring to the SSA-1099 tax form. You will need to contact or visit your local Social Security office for assistance with your daughters tax form. We hope this helps.
robert s.
when i reach my full retirement age of 66.4 years can my three minor children collect social security benefits, and if i continue to work till 70 years can they continue collecting social security benefits till they reach 18
V.V.
Hi Robert. When a parent gets Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits, his or her child also may get benefits. Children also can get benefits when a parent dies. The child can be a biological child, adopted child or stepchild. A dependent grandchild also may qualify.
To get benefits, the child must be unmarried and:
• Younger than age 18;
• A full-time student (no higher than grade 12) 18 to 19 years old; or
• Have a disability that started before age 22 and is 18 years or older.
See our factsheet on Benefits for Children for more information.
Once you reach your full retirement age, earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn.
Plus, keep in mind that if you continue to work while receiving retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount may increase. As long as you continue to work and receive benefits, we will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings will increase your monthly benefit. If there is an increase, we will send you a letter telling you of your new benefit amount.
Jeffrey B.
I am inquiring if i am able to receive SSDI based on my deceased fathers social security benifits. I was diagnosed in 1992 at Metro Hospital and am currently receiving treatment for the illness since then.
Tanya K.
Can a 19 year old child of a deceased parent still receive benefits if enrolled fulltime in college?
K.O.
Hello Tanya. When a parent gets Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits, his or her child also may get benefits. Children also can get benefits when a parent dies. The child can be a biological child, adopted child or stepchild. A dependent grandchild also may qualify.
To get benefits, the child must be unmarried and:
• Younger than age 18;
• A full-time student (no higher than grade 12) 18 to 19 years old; or
• Have a disability that started before age 22 and is 18 years or older.
See our factsheet on Benefits for Children for more information.
Stephanie P.
I am trying to find out if my children qualify to receive a check or parental benefits if their dad receives a SSI check. They also have a learning disability. What all information would I need.
V.V.
Thank you for using our blog, Stephanie. When a parent gets Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits, his or her child also may get benefits. Children also can get benefits when a parent dies. The child can be a biological child, adopted child or stepchild. A dependent grandchild also may qualify.
To get benefits, the child must be unmarried and:
• Younger than age 18;
• A full-time student (no higher than grade 12) 18 to 19 years old; or
• Have a disability that started before age 22 and is 18 years or older.
See our factsheet on Benefits for Children for more information.
Mark A.
I am so grateful to Susan James Loan Firml for helping me with a loan of 2,000,000.00 USD through the help of the loan, i am eternally grateful to you. my life has turned around, my finances settled i now own a business which i use in taking care of my family. I am so so grateful to you Mrs Susan and God Bless you.
Mario A.
How can I obtain benefits for my thirteen year old adopted son, who has been with us since birth. He also needs a Social Security number (he was born in Mexico). I am a retired U.S. citizen with an oficial permanent address in Pasadena, California. I will return to Pasadena in July of this year and I am trying to keep our family together. The last 4 digits of my ss# are 1428. Thank you
Cheryl H.
My daughter turns 18 the first of April she is not in school will she get a check in April
A.C.
Thanks for your question, Cheryl. A child’s benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled. Remember that benefits are paid the month after they are due. The benefit paid in April is for March. If you have additional questions specific to your daughter’s benefits, you contact your local Social Security office. Or, you can call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Hope this helps.
Jessica w.
My daughter receives survivor benefits from her dad who is deceased. She has had a father figure in her life who talked about adopting her. Would she lose her benitfits if adopted?